Known world wide as the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Sultana of Swing, and Lady Who Skates on the 88s, Sue Palmer has been a presence on the live music scene in San Diego and the world for over 30 years. She was inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame in 2018, had a day named after her by the city in 2008, and won numerous San Diego Music Awards for her bands and albums. She has recorded over 12 albums under her own name, securing an international award from The International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis for Best Self Produced Album (Sophisticated Ladies). She was the beehive wearing music director and longtime pianist for blues diva Candye Kane, through the 90s, appearing on many of her albums, touring world wide (France, Germany, England, The Czech Republic, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, and more) as well as all over the US and parts of Canada. Sue has also toured Switzerland, Russia, The Netherlands, and Argentina under her own name. Her current high energy Motel Swing Orchestra, is up for a 2021 San Diego Music Award, once again, for Best Local Recording for their recent EP titled "Movin' Along". She had a radio show for 3 years on San Diego's local Jazz station KSDS 88.3FM, and now hosts a podcast called "The Motel Swing Happy Hour KSUE San Diego." ( suepalmer.com, Spotify, Google Play, iTunes ) According to Claudia Russell, DJ Extraordinaire on KSDS 88.3FM, "When her heavily jeweled hands hit the 88s, you're in for a ride!" WATCH OUT: YOU may become a slave to the dance floor!!

Candye Kane and Sue

Candye Kane and the Swingin' Armadillos at the Chesterfield Cafe in Paris, 1995... rare footage from a small club just off the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, just found in the home collection of Thomas Yearsley, featuring Candye Kane, Steve Wilcox on guitar, Sue Palmer on piano, Greg Willis on bass, Steve Geller on drums, with an introduction by Patricia Journo. Video by Sharon Shufelt.

Hadda Brooks and Sue. Photo by Montgomery Drysdale