Jimmy Van Eaton (born James M. Van Eaton; March 23, 1937 – February 21, 2018) was an American drummer, record producer, and recording engineer, best known for his association with Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, during the 1950s.
Born in Memphis, Van Eaton began playing drums professionally as a teenager. In 1955, at age 18, he became the house drummer at Sun Records, succeeding J.M. Van Eaton (no relation) and preceding W.S. "Fluke" Holland. During his tenure at Sun, he performed on numerous recording sessions for artists including Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy Lee Riley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Warren Smith. His drumming is featured on notable recordings such as Jerry Lee Lewis's "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" (1957) and "Great Balls of Fire" (1957), as well as Billy Lee Riley's "Red Hot" (1957).
Following his work as a session musician, Van Eaton transitioned into recording engineering and record production. He worked at various Memphis studios, including the Sun Studio facility and later at his own studio, JVE Productions. As a producer and engineer, he worked with a range of rock, rockabilly, and country artists throughout the 1960s and beyond.
Van Eaton remained active in the Memphis music community and participated in events celebrating the legacy of Sun Records. He died in Memphis on February 21, 2018, at the age of 80.
