American Rock and Roll Drummer, Jimmy Van Eaton Died at 86

Jimmy Van Eaton, best known for his recordings as the drummer in sessions with Jerry Lee Lewis and others at Sun Records in the 1950s, Died at the age of 86.

Van Eaton, a Memphis native who came to the famous record label as a teenager, died at his home in Alabama after dealing with health issues over the last year, The Commercial Appeal of Memphis reported, with his wife, Deborah, confirming his death.

Lewis referred to him as “The creative rock ‘n’ roll drummer”. Van Eaton was known for his bluesy playing style that the newspaper said powered classic early-rock hits at Sun-like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” by Lewis and “Red Hot” by Riley. He also played with Bill Justis and Charlie Rich.

Van Eaton became part of a core of musicians that performed at Sun through the 1950s, the newspaper reported.

American Rock and Roll Drummer, Jimmy Van Eaton Died at 86