John Palmer

Who is John Palmer?

John Michael "Poli" Palmer is a British rock musician who was a key member in the progressive rock band Family. Though he was not an original member, he was regarded as being integral to the group's sound. He played the vibraphone, flute, piano, synthesizers and occasional drums, and he was with the band from late 1969 until late 1972.

Palmer originally played in a group called The Hellions, which featured future Traffic members Jim Capaldi and Dave Mason, The trio later formed Deep Feeling, which also included future Spooky Tooth member Luther Grosvenor. Palmer was briefly involved later with acts such as the Blossom Toes and Ian Matthews' Southern Comfort, formed by the former Fairport Convention frontman of that name. He was in the folk rock band Eclection with whom he performed at the 1969 Isle of Wight festival, before joining Family.

Palmer replaced Jim King in Family and immediately went to work on the group's third album, A Song For Me. Many of that album's songs had to be re-arranged, as they were written with King's saxophone and harmonica in mind. Palmer rose to the challenge, transforming songs with his different instruments.