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Palmer, Don (20 May 1930-22 March 2009)

Violinist from Detroit, Michigan, who started performing at five years of age and attended Wayne State University, from whence he acquired his Master of Music degree in 1964.  At the time, he was a member of the house orchestra at WXYZ-TV.

He relocated to L.A. in 1976 and made himself invaluable as a session musician in the recording studios.

Here is but a sampling of his discography:  At This Time by Burt Bacharach; The Christmas Album by David Foster; The Christmas Album by The Manhattan Transfer; Christmas Through Your Eyes by Gloria Estefan; Corky by Corky Hale; The Danny Elfman & Tim Burton 25th Anniversary Music BoxDo it Again by Toni Tennille; Duets by Frank Sinatra; Faces by Earth, Wind & Fire; Hot August Night II by Neil Diamond; Joao (I Really Samba) by Joao Gilberto; New Affair by The Emotions; Reachin’ Back by Regina Belle; Say it With Silence by Hubert Laws; Snowflakes by Toni Braxton; Take Me Higher by Diana Ross; That’s What Friends Are For by Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams; Timepiece by Kenny Rogers; and, A Woman Needs Love by Ray Parker, Jr.

He can also be heard on the soundtracks of The Color PurpleThe Dead PoolHarry and the Hendersons, and Predator.  For nineteen years, he performed on the soundtrack of The Simpsons.

Wayne State University bestowed upon him their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

He passed away at his home on 22nd March 2009.

On 26th March 2009, his funeral was held at Holy Redeemer Church in Montrose, followed by a burial at Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams recordings
Emotion (Barry Gibb/Robin Gibb)
S CBS 6164B (UK 45)

He is the violinist here…

Sources:

  1. http://tolucantimes.info/section/obituaries/don-palmer-la-crescenta-ca-may-20-1930-march-22-2009/
  2. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/don-palmer-mn0000622144
  3. http://www.discogs.com/search?q=Susan+Palmer+Marshall&type=all