Palmer was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000

Drummer Earl Palmer, described by rock 'n' roll pioneer Little Richard as "probably the greatest session drummer of all time", has died aged 84.

Palmer, who played on Little Richard's hits including Tutti Frutti, died at his Los Angeles home after "a lengthy illness", his spokesman said.

Other hits he drummed on include You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' by The Righteous Brothers.

In 2000, he was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He appeared on the records of artists as diverse as The Monkees, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra and Neil Young.

Other records he performed on include Ike and Tina Turner's River Deep, Mountain High and I Hear You Knockin' by Smiley Lewis.

Ed Vodika, pianist in the Earl Palmer Trio - formed 10 years ago - said the drummer had "shaped American music for the '50s, '60s and '70s".

"He worked with so many people in his career, you never knew who would be in the audience," he added.

Palmer married four times and he is survived by seven children.



