Robert D. Palmer - From Misery To Hope

BY

From Misery To Hopeby
Robert D. Palmer and Kary Youman

Copyright 2019 & 2021 by RDP Legacy, LLC

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used, reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, ortransmitted inanyform or byanymeanselectronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwisewithout prior writtenpermission of rdplegacy or Tenth House Publishing.

Some of the names have been changed to protect theidentityandprivacyofthe individuals.Editing/Formatting: Gloria Palmer (movinonup57@yahoo.com) Published by:Tenth House Publishing1752 NW Market Street, #4419Seattle, WA 98107Website:rdplegacy.comISBN: DEDICATION

This book was published for Robert posthumously, sowe dedicate this book to his memory and his desire totell his story.

We also honor the love and compassion Robert hadfor people whowere sufferingforanyreason,especially the homeless. Roberts desire was to makea difference in this world, and we pray this book willhelp to accomplish that.

We pray this book will encourage anyone who issuffering with a mental illness to come out of theshadows and get help, and to tell your stories. Younever know who your story will help.

The Palmer Family TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication ................................................................................................iiiForeword by Howard McCrary ..........................................................vii

FOREWORD

My name is Howard McCrary. I am a Grammynominated musician, arranger, composer, singer, andrecipient of The ASCAP Duke Ellington Award. It was mygreat honor to be friends with Robert Palmer. Themagnitudeof hismusicalbrilliance isbeyonddescription. Our mutual friend Chaka Khan used todescribe him as "other", which meant out of this world.Robert had the ability to see and hear from beginningto end songs that did not exist. He could feel thegroove for Changing Faces, Time After Time, and ask,"Did you hear that, bruh?" If I said no, he would say, "It'stime for a Manny's break!" Then we'd hop into his sportscar and go to Manny's Delicatessen Bakery, to buy sugarless cookies. This alone would give us energy forthe next five hours.

I was introduced to Robert by Ms. Ingrid SundayWang. She hired me to co-produce a project with herand Robert. We had so many mutual friends and foundout we had many things in common, specifically ourmusical range. That's when I discovered what a geniushe was. He invited me to work on many projects withartists like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sandra St. Victor, andmany more. We reached our production partnership'spinnaclewhen wecomposed,arranged,andproduced Chaka Khan's album, Come To My Housewith the Artist Formerly Known as Prince. We also cowrote a song Chaka called Spoon. Prince loved theway Robert played guitar and commented on hischord progressions, saying, He's sick with it!

When I moved to Hong Kong, Robert and I kept intouch. By then Robert had decided to switch careersand become a motivational speaker. His new goal was to mentor and inspire the future players in themusic industry. He later told me he was starting toreceive informationvibrationallythat would beconfirmed on the internet months later. In my eyes, hewasbecomingaprophet.Hecouldreadyourthoughts. I knew him too well to know that he was notjoking because I had experienced this phenomenonon many occasions while working in the studio withhim.

A little over a year ago, my ex-wife Tammy McCraryarranged a luncheon for us in Los Angeles. I had noidea this would be the last time I would see him. He toldme, "For your Parkinson's, Howard, keep taking theLevodopa you've been prescribed, and you will be justfine, bruh." Tammy hadnt told him anything about myprescription! That was our very last encounter.

I had no idea he had been diagnosed with bipolardepression. Robert was a private and proud man. He would never admit he was vulnerable to mental oremotional sufferingdespiteallof hisamazingaccomplishments. This was heartbreaking news to meand everyone who knew him. The next time a friendasks me for help or reaches out to me through theirsilent pain, I will be there.

Robert, we love you, and we will be there for yourchildren and family. Your music and your legacy willlive forever in our hearts. Thank you for all of yourtimelessly magnificent music and knowledge.

In loving remembrance,Howard McCrary