At the age of 15, Palmer joined his first band, The Mandrakes, but his major
break came in 1969 when he was invited to sing with The Alan Bown Set, after the
departure of singer Jess Roden. A brief spell with jazz-rock band Dada followed
before Palmer formed rhythm and blues group Vinegar Joe with Elkie Brooks and
released three albums. The group's label Island Records signed Palmer to a solo
deal and his first album Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley was released in 1974.
Palmer's style became eclectic with further albums influenced by reggae and
Caribbean rock, but he moved in a ...