Robert Palmer-Pleaser

Robert Lee was born Feb 24, 1941 in Round Pond, Arkansas and was the son of Willie Lee and Ida Belle Palmer(deceased).

As a child he relocated to Ohio in the 40’s where he attended East Tech High School. He had two siblings his older brother Bob Palmer preceded him in death and is survived by one sister Cindy Palmer-Sephus (Jason). Rob had three children Linda Palmer(deceased), Robert Jr. (deceased), and Nakia Dillard. Despite the long distance, he maintained a relationship with his beloved daughter Nakia who lives in Palmdale, California. He also raised two sons as his own—Marvin Key and Tony (Abdul Khabeer Rahmaan).

Rob was a happy person with a song in his heart. He was a comical prankster and always had a smile on his face. He was gregarious and had a laugh that attracted people everywhere he went.

Rob was an entrepreneur, a hustler and a jack of all trades. He had a heating and cooling business, owned a car wash, and did home remodeling. His most prominent and lucrative venture was Palmer’s Record Mart that he opened in the early 60’s. It was located on 121st and Kinsman. He would broadcast on WJMO live every weekend. He jumpstarted many DJ’s careers, i.e. late Lynn Tolliver. It was then that he adopted the moniker “The Crowd Pleaser”. One customer recalled, ‘his albums sales would start at $3.99 and then listeners would wait until he would announce, “come on down to Palmer’s record mart for a deal, $2.99, $2.99, $2.99”.’

He also coined the phrases “Looker and waiters please stay outside”, “I don’t need no friends just bring me those ends”. “Lawd have mercy” followed with a laugh.

He further developed his own brand of incense called “Remlaps” Palmer spelled backwards.

At night the strobe lights would shine across the sky to let you know the location of his record store. He had entertainment that would stop all passing cars sometimes causing accidents. Every day was an event! He later expanded to three other locations downtown and eventually one in Florida.

Shortly after the passing of his mom, Rob made a life changing decision by excepting Christ into his life. He was baptized at New Jerusalem Baptist Church by the late Reverend Bobby C. Ward in Cleveland, Ohio.

“Over time, he pulled away from everyone, retreating into solitude, and eventually changing his name to Robert Pleaser.

He was called to eternal rest on May 16, 2025 and is now in peace.

Rob leaves to mourn his sister Cindy Palmer-Sephus (Jason), daughter Nakia Dillard, three grandchildren Shawn Kenyon Shannon, Shanice Antoinette Shannon, Shawnti Nakia Shannon, and two great grandchildren Aubrey Royal Richardson, Ma’Khi Dimitri Brown, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, fans, and loyal customers.