J.M. 'Jimmy' Van Eaton, a renowned rock 'n' roll drummer who made his mark at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on Friday at the age of 86, according to a family member. Van Eaton, hailing from Memphis himself, had been battling health issues over the past year and eventually succumbed to them at his home in Alabama. His daughter, Terri Van Eaton Downing, confirmed his passing.
Van Eaton rose to fame for his bluesy drumming style, which provided the powerful foundation for iconic early rock hits at Sun Records such as Jerry Lee Lewis' 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On' and Billy Lee Riley's 'Red Hot.' He also collaborated with notable artists like Bill Justis and Charlie Rich.
Originally a trumpet player in his school band, Van Eaton quickly developed a fascination with the drums. In a 2015 interview, he revealed, 'it was an instrument that intrigued me.' This fascination led him to start his own rock 'n' roll band called The Echoes, through which he recorded a demo at Sam Phillips' recording studio. This connection eventually led him to join forces with Riley and later Lewis.
While many found it challenging to play alongside the energetic Jerry Lee Lewis, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips recognized Van Eaton's exceptional talent and once said, 'The hardest man to play with in the world was Jerry Lee. I told every musician to stay out of this man's way. The one exception was JM Van Eaton.'
Van Eaton became a significant member of the group of musicians who performed at Sun throughout the 1950s. However, he gradually drifted away from the music industry during the 1960s. It wasn't until the 1970s, with the resurgence of interest in rockabilly following Elvis Presley's death, that Van Eaton resumed his musical career.
In the early 1980s, Van Eaton transitioned into a successful four-decade-long career in the municipal bond business. However, he continued his involvement in music, contributing to the soundtrack of the film 'Great Balls of Fire,' which depicted the life of Jerry Lee Lewis. Additionally, in the late 1990s, he released a solo album showcasing his drumming prowess. Van Eaton's remarkable contributions to the music industry earned him a place in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. A few years ago, he relocated from Tennessee to Alabama.
Aside from his daughter Terri, Van Eaton is survived by another daughter, two sons, and a stepson. His former wife, Deborah, announced that private services for him will be held in the coming week. The life and legacy of J.M. 'Jimmy' Van Eaton will forever be cherished by those who admired his talent and contribution to rock 'n' roll history.
