September 20, 2008 18:36

Pioneering rock'n'roll drummer Earl Palmer dies aged 84

Legend worked with Little Richard and Frank Sinatra

Drumming legend Earl Palmer, who played on some of rock'n'roll's most pioneering records, has died aged 84.

Palmer, who played on most of Little Richard's early hits including 'Tutti Frutti', passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday (September 19).

According to a spokesperson via BBC News, the drummer died after "a lengthy illness".

As well as performing with Little Richard, Palmer worked with Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Tom Waits throughout his illustrious career.

He also played drums on Ike And Tina Turner's 'River Deep, Mountain High' and Elvis Costello's 1986 album 'King Of America'.

Little Richard once described Palmer as "probably the greatest session drummer of all time".