Biography (1974)
As many Americans are Anglophiles (Sparks being a prime example), so do the English lust to be American. Man and Hawkind look towards the 1967 San Fransisco era, while Frankie Miller leans towards a soul influence. Robert Palmer digs rhythm 'n' blues.
Born in Batley, Yorkshire, and raised for seven years in Malta, Robert first entered the professional music scene as a vocalist with Dada, a twelve piece group that explored the then fashionable field of jazz-rock. Since the size of the group was impractical it soon dissolved, with Vinegar Joe growing from the ashes. As a front line vocalist with Elkie Brooks he acquired much critical and popular acclaim. Vinegar Joe was always on the verge of becoming a major group, but mass acceptance was not to be theirs. Early this year they decided to disband.
This gave Robert the opportunity to record a solo album. With producer Steve Smith, a native of Muscle Shoals and no stranger to soul and r 'n' b, he spent several weeks recording in New York and New Orleans, with overdubbing and miwing in London. Five of the songs are original, with a further three coming from people who contributed to the album. The title song, Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley, was first made popular through Lee Dorsey. Robert Palmer is going to make it a household word.