British rock singer Robert Palmer, whose smart suits and suave style set the tone for much of the 1980s pop scene, died in Paris of a heart attack early Friday, his record company said. He was 54.

Palmer was best known for his 1985 hit "Addicted to Love" and its accompanying video, which featured leggy models in short black dresses with slicked-back hair and electric guitars. He also headed the popular 80's supergroup, The Powerstation, which had hits with "Some Like It Hot" and a cover of T.Rex's "Bang A Gong".

"Robert Palmer, singer and songwriter, died suddenly of a heart attack in Paris last night," a spokeswoman for Universal Music said in a statement issued in London. "Everyone at Universal Music is deeply shocked and saddened at the terrible news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at the difficult time."

The Yorkshire-born singer, who lived in Switzerland, was on a trip to Paris with his companion Mary Ambrose when he suffered the heart attack. He was taking a break after a recording session in London for Yorkshire Television earlier this week. Palmer's latest album "Drive" was described by critics as a melting pot of old R&B, Bahamian and Caribbean music, jump blues, Delta blues and raunch 'n' roll.

Palmer discussed those influences during an interview on Wednesday at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in Soho, London, for an hour-long TV program called "My Kinda People," a spokesman for Yorkshire television told Reuters.

"As far as I'm aware he seemed in perfect health," he said. "At the moment no decision has been made regarding the future of the program as everyone's thoughts are with Robert's family and friends at this difficult time."