Palmer began his career in 1906 in New Orleans as a guitarist with the Rozelle Orchestra.[2][3] He played trumpet and then trombone with Richard M. Jones, Freddie Keppard, Willie Hightower, Tuxedo Brass Band, and Onward Brass Band.[2][3] In 1917 he left New Orleans and moved to Chicago,[3] where he worked with King Oliver, Lawrence Duhe, and Doc Cook.[2]
Palmer recorded with Johnny Dodds, Jelly Roll Morton, Ida Cox, the Alabama Rascals, and the State Street Ramblers.[2][3] In the 1930s, he was a factory worker and music teacher.[2][3]
