Research Notes
Research Notes
How the archive traces a question: what sources were found, what they showed, and what’s still open. Each note follows the story of an investigation, not just its conclusion.
About these notes
Notes are published once enough is known to give a meaningful account. Each one walks through what sources turned up, how they were read, what the archive now holds as established, and where questions remain. How this archive works →
- Supported
Robert D. Palmer on Chaka Khan's Come 2 My House
In 1998, Robert D. Palmer contributed to Chaka Khan's Come 2 My House, released by Prince's NPG Records. Robert co-wrote the title track with Chaka Khan, Howard McCrary, and Prince. He also co-wrote 'Spoon,' contributed additional vocals, and received production and programming credits on the album.
- Supported
Robert D. Palmer and Little Richard: The 'Operator' Music Video
Robert D. Palmer performed as a guitarist with Little Richard and appears in the 1986 'Operator' music video, as identified through direct family testimony. An independent historical account also identifies 'Robert Palmer of San Bernardino' as a Little Richard guitarist. His possible role as a music director or bandleader remains under investigation, and current evidence does not establish that he played on the studio recording of 'Operator.'
- Under investigation
AllMusic Credit Audit: Reconciling the Discography
A systematic comparison of the archive's documented credits against the AllMusic artist page for Robert D. Palmer (mn0001369748) identified eleven projects not previously recorded here. Those projects have been added as provisional credits pending independent confirmation of roles and identity.
- Supported
BMI Royalty Statement: Registered Composition Interests
A BMI royalty statement issued to Robert Donald Palmer identifies his registered performance-rights interests in 46 musical works. Nine of those works overlap with projects previously documented in this archive. The remaining 37 include compositions in a reggae and dub style whose recording and attribution context remains under separate investigation.
- Supported
Robert Donald Palmer as “Flako”: The 37-Composition Reconciliation
A BMI royalty statement issued to Robert Donald Palmer includes 37 compositions associated with his reggae, dub, and broader catalogue under the credit name Robert Flako Palmer. All 37 have now been reconciled: 29 match confirmed Negus Roots releases, 3 match additional supported releases, 2 are namesake or same-title conflicts withheld from release credits, and 3 are BMI-confirmed compositions with no verified recording located. Identity is resolved: 'Flako' and 'Flacko' refer to Robert Donald Palmer, confirmed by his son.
- Supported
Verifying Booty People's Soul Train Appearance
Two independent sources confirm that Booty People appeared on Soul Train in June 1976, performing "Spirit of '76." No footage of the performance has been located.
- Supported
The "Spirit of '76" Songwriting Credit
Credit databases and a 1976 trade publication established Robert D. Palmer's songwriting credit on "Spirit of '76" and placed him within Booty People's lineup during the release period.
- Supported
The Record World Photograph
A December 1976 Record World feature on the Far Out label network includes a contemporary photograph placing Robert D. Palmer within Booty People. The photograph cannot be displayed publicly pending rights clearance.
- Supported
Robert D. Palmer's Guitar Credit on General Caine's Let Me In
Release credits and a 2013 community newspaper obituary document the transition from Booty People into the General Caine project and Robert D. Palmer's continued guitar role through 1978.
- Verified
The "Stickwitu" Co-Writer Credit
Official writer records confirm Robert D. Palmer as a co-writer of "Stickwitu," recorded by The Pussycat Dolls. A BMI royalty statement additionally confirms his registered performance-rights interest in the composition at a 33.34% share. The song received a Grammy Award nomination at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in a performance category credited to the performing artist.