J.M. “Jimmy” Van Eaton, a legendary rock ‘n’ roll drummer known for his work with Jerry Lee Lewis and Billy Lee Riley at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away at the age of 86 at his home in Alabama. He had been facing health issues over the past year, as confirmed by his wife, Deborah. Van Eaton, a Memphis native, began his musical journey as a teenager at Sun Records, where his bluesy drumming style became synonymous with early rock hits like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Red Hot.” He also collaborated with artists such as Bill Justis and Charlie Rich.
Initially starting with the trumpet in a school band, Van Eaton soon gravitated towards drums, finding them intriguing. His band, The Echoes, recorded a demo at Sam Phillips’ recording studio, leading him to work with Riley and later Lewis. Phillips praised Van Eaton’s ability to keep up with Lewis’s demanding style, making him an exception among musicians.Throughout the 1950s, Van Eaton was a core member of the musicians’ lineup at Sun Records. However, he gradually drifted away from the music scene in the 1960s, only to return in the 1970s as interest in rockabilly surged following Elvis Presley’s death.Transitioning to the municipal bond business in the early 1980s, Van Eaton maintained his connection to music. He contributed to the soundtrack of the film “Great Balls of Fire” and released a solo album in the late 1990s. He was honored with inductions into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Memphis Music Hall of Fame.Van Eaton’s move to Alabama in recent years marked a new chapter in his life. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, as well as a son and daughter. His legacy as a pioneering rock ‘n’ roll drummer and integral figure in the Sun Records era will continue to resonate within the music community.
