David Palmer is an American vocalist, songwriter and photographer best known as member of Steely Dan during the band's early years, and as the lyricist of "Jazzman", a No. 2 hit for Carole King. Palmer is known for his light tenor voice which contrasted with his fellow Steely Dan singer Donald Fagen.
Early life
Palmer was born and raised in the New Jersey communities of Warren Township and Watchung and attended Watchung Hills Regional High School. He sang in choir and folk groups as a child.
Musical career
His first band was the Myddle Class, formed in 1964 under the initial name of the King Bees while its members were still in high school. Their manager, Al Aronowitz, introduced them to the hit songwriters Gerry Goffin and Carole King, who were looking to add bands to their new label, Tomorrow Records. He also sang lead on most of Steely Dan's songs when performed live during their early concerts because of Fagen's early-career stage fright before audiences. In addition, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen wrote several songs specifically to showcase Palmer's particular vocal abilities, including "Megashine City", "Take My Money", and "Hellbound Train"; all of these songs were never recorded but were played by Steely Dan on tour.
After Steely Dan, Palmer worked with a number of songwriters, including King. He wrote all the lyrics for King's album Wrap Around Joy, including the composition "Jazzman" and "Nightingale". He also contributed the song "Silhouette" to the 1985 film Teen Wolf.
Digital photography career
Since 2002, Palmer has been a digital photographer, making landscapes, portraits and fine-art images.
He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.