Bad Case of Lovin’ You (Doctor Doctor)

Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are cranking up the vibes with Robert Palmer’s electrifying track, “Bad Case of Lovin’ You (Doctor, Doctor)” from his 1979 album Secrets. This song, a rock anthem with a soulful edge, wasn’t originally Palmer’s creation. It was penned and first recorded in 1978 by Moon Martin, a singer-songwriter from Oklahoma. Martin’s version, released as a single in the UK and Spain, didn’t chart, but Palmer heard it through a record company rep while being driven to a gig. As Palmer recalled in a Genius interview, “I fell in love with it immediately, learnt it at the sound check that night and played it live.” The crowd’s wild response made it a staple in his set, and his recording soared to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 in Canada, and even earned a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1980.

Here’s a juicy tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: Palmer wasn’t fully satisfied with the original “garage band” mix of the song. For his 1989 compilation Addictions: Volume 1, he remixed it, overdubbing heavier guitars and drums to give it a punchier, modern edge. Fans on Reddit have noted how Palmer’s soulful vocals transformed Martin’s original, with one user saying, “It’s just that Robert Palmer took this song to the next level and made it his own.” The song’s infectious energy also inspired covers, like Paul Rodgers’ version for the 1992 film Dr. Giggles and a Spanish-language take by Tatiana in 1994. Its chorus even snuck into the theme for the TV series The Doctors!

Let’s rewind to how Robert Palmer got his start. Born January 19, 1949, in Batley, Yorkshire, England, Palmer grew up with a knack for music, influenced by soul, jazz, and blues. By his teens, he was already gigging with local bands. His big break came in the late 1960s when he joined Vinegar Joe, a British rock band where he shared vocals with Elkie Brooks. The band’s gritty sound and Palmer’s powerful voice caught attention, but it was his solo career, launched in 1974 with the album Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley, that set him on the path to stardom. Recorded in New Orleans with The Meters and Lowell George, the album blended funk, soul, and rock, showcasing his genre-hopping style. Palmer’s suave persona and willingness to experiment—later diving into synths with Clues and power pop with Power Station—made him a standout.

Zoo Freaks, you can dive deeper into Palmer’s world at his official website, though sadly, Palmer passed away in 2003, so social media accounts are now fan-driven or archival. Check out the Robert Palmer Official Facebook page for updates and tributes, or follow @robertpalmerofficial on Instagram for throwback photos and clips. On X, search for posts like @Scorpio154606’s remastered video share from April 2025 to see fans keeping his legacy alive. For fan communities, join the Robert Palmer Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees swap stories and rare tracks. Another gem is The Robert Palmer Fan Club, a fan-run site with discographies and memories. So, crank up “Bad Case of Lovin’ You” and keep the Zoo Crew spirit groovin’!