ALABAMA (CelebrityAccess) – J.M. “Jimmy” Van Eaton, the pioneering rock ‘n’ roll drummer renowned for his contributions to hits at Sun Records, passed away on Friday (February 9) at his home in Alabama after dealing with some health issues over the past year. His death was confirmed by his daughter Terri Van Eaton Downing. He was 86.
A Memphis native, Van Eaton played a crucial role in the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, providing the bluesy beat behind classic tracks like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” by Jerry Lee Lewis and “Red Hot” by Billy Lee Riley at Sun Records in Memphis, TN. He also collaborated with musicians such as Bill Justis and Charlie Rich.
Initially starting with the trumpet in a school band, Van Eaton soon found his passion for drums, describing it as an instrument that intrigued him in a 2015 interview. His rock ‘n’ roll band, The Echoes, recorded a demo at Sam Phillips’ recording studio, leading to connections with Billy Lee Riley and Jerry Lee Lewis. Van Eaton, known for his exceptional drumming, became a core part of the musicians who performed at Sun during the 1950s.
In the 1960s, Van Eaton stepped away from the music industry but returned to performing in the 1970s, particularly during the resurgence of interest in rockabilly after Elvis Presley’s death. Transitioning to the municipal bond business in the early 1980s, he continued to contribute to music, playing for the film “Great Balls of Fire” about Jerry Lee Lewis and releasing a solo album in the late 1990s. He was recognized for his contributions with inductions into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Memphis Music Hall of Fame. In recent years, Van Eaton had relocated from Tennessee to Alabama.
Survived by his wife and children, private services will be held in the coming week. His legacy as a pioneering drummer and influential figure in rock ‘n’ roll will be remembered in the annals of music history.
