Remo Palmier, 78; Veteran Jazz Guitarist

Remo Palmier, 78, a jazz guitarist who performed with Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday, died Saturday in New York City of complications from leukemia and lymphoma.

Born in the Bronx, Palmier was self-trained and said that his primary influences were the guitarists Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian.

But in later years he adopted the melodic and harmonic concepts of saxophonists Hawkins and Parker.

In 1945, he began a 27-year period as guitarist for the “Arthur Godfrey Show.” It was reported widely that he taught Godfrey how to play the ukulele.

After Godfrey’s retirement, Palmier returned to his jazz roots and formed a group with pianist Hank Jones.

He also served as an accompanist for singer Pearl Bailey, played a series of concerts with Benny Goodman and later appeared at various festivals in California.