Ex-Jethro Tull Keyboardist + Arranger Dee Palmer Dies at 88, Ian Anderson Shares Tribute

Dee Palmer, former Jethro Tull keyboardist and arranger, has died at 88, the band confirmed via social media. Palmer worked with Jethro Tull throughout the 1970s and transitioned to Dee Palmer in 2004 after psychological and medical consultations following his wife’s death. Ian Anderson posted a tribute recalling Palmer’s contributions, including brass parts on Move On Alone (1968) and string arrangements for A Christmas Song. Palmer served as second keyboardist from 1976 to 1980, and his orchestral work extended to reinterpretations of Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd and Queen, as well as a London Symphony Orchestra collaboration on A Classic Case. He is survived by four children.