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.
