Earl Cyril Palmer (October 25, 1924 – September 19, 2008) was a pioneering American drummer, widely regarded as one of the inventors of rock and roll. Born into a show-business family in New Orleans and raised in the Tremé district, Palmer began his career at the tender age of five as a tap dancer, performing with his mother and aunt on the black vaudeville circuit. His early exposure to music and performance laid the foundation for his illustrious career in music.

During World War II, Palmer served in the United States Army, where he was assigned to noncombatant service troops, primarily handling ammunition. After the war, he pursued formal music education, studying piano and percussion at the Grunewald School of Music in New Orleans. His professional drumming career took off in the late 1940s with the Dave Bartholomew Band, where he became a key figure in the New Orleans recording scene.

Palmer's drumming was instrumental in shaping the sound of many iconic hits. He played on nearly all of Little Richard's hits and many of Fats Domino's, including "The Fat Man" and "I'm Walkin'." His work on "The Fat Man" introduced a strong backbeat that became a defining characteristic of rock and roll. Palmer's innovative approach to rhythm, which he described as "funky," helped make music more syncopated and danceable.

In 1957, Palmer moved to Hollywood, where he initially worked for Aladdin Records and later became a member of the Wrecking Crew, a renowned group of session musicians. His prolific career saw him playing on thousands of recordings, including "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by the Righteous Brothers, and contributing to numerous classic TV and film soundtracks. Palmer's influence and contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His legacy as a session musician and his impact on American popular music remain unparalleled.