Early Years
Palmer was born in Santa Monica, California in 1971, and grew up primarily in Redmond, Washington, near Seattle. Her Finnish-born mother, who worked for an airline, was the breadwinner in their unorthodox household. Holly's father was a writer who sang songs by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Neil Young and Bob Dylan around the house.
Growing up, Holly played the family piano whenever possible, and played the flute in a school music ensemble. In the eighth grade, she switched to the saxophone so that she could sing with the school's jazz band. She soon began singing standards with the group, and became inspired by visionary jazz singer Sarah Vaughan, whose innovative interpretations would make an enormous mark on Palmer's iconoclastic style. After high school, Holly attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA before making her way to Boston, Massachusetts to stay with a friend. She attended and graduated from Berklee College of Music.
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Famous quotes related to early years:
“Even today . . . experts, usually male, tell women how to be mothers and warn them that they should not have children if they have any intention of leaving their side in their early years. . . . Children don’t need parents’ full-time attendance or attention at any stage of their development. Many people will help take care of their needs, depending on who their parents are and how they chose to fulfill their roles.”
—Stella Chess (20th century)