A bit about Bill . . .
Young, impressionable, and a Gibson EB-2
Growing up in Calumet City, Illinois as “a child of the British Invasion,” Bill Parker’s first musical influences were The Beatles, The Kinks, and The Rolling Stones (Brian Jones and Keith Richards in particular).
Having just been flashed a bit of anatomy . . .
Once he began writing songs, his hope was to one day be known as “the Ray Davies of the Calumet Region.”
A move to Denton, Texas after high school brought a second wave of influences, most notably Gram Parsons, but also Chris Hillman, Michael Murphey, Willis Alan Ramsey, and Richard Thompson.
A move to Denton, Texas after high school brought a second wave of influences, most notably Gram Parsons, but also Chris Hillman, Michael Murphey, Willis Alan Ramsey, and Richard Thompson.
“. . . Parker sounds like the lovechild of Gram Parsons and Keith Richards.”
Carla Duriyea, Midnight Rambler
Duffy Bishop, David Hiscock, & BP, 1998
In 1995, Parker left Texas for Seattle, Washington where he continued to spend the majority of his musical time in what he calls “the lonesome cowboy mode.”
In the studio with Kathi McDonald
While in Seattle, Bill met legendary vocalist Kathi McDonald (Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, The Rolling Stones) with whom he recorded a six song CD/EP, sex not guaranteed (2002).
Waiting to channel Lennon & McCartney
At the dawn of the 21st century, his song “The Southern Side of A Northern Town” was used by the BBC’s World Service to close out a 52-part history of popular music from 1600 to 2000.
After ten years of “self-imposed exile,” he returned to Texas in time for Christmas, 2005.
In 2010, "Snakebit" the opening track from sex not guaranteed was recorded by Janet Martin on her Passage CD.
Bill's latest release, Texas Tales, Vol. 1 (2010), reflects this return with nods to the Rev. Robert Wilkins (“Down In Egypt Land”), Waylon Jennings (“Another Drink”), and The Rolling Stones (“Nothin’ But Fine”).
In 2010, "Snakebit" the opening track from sex not guaranteed was recorded by Janet Martin on her Passage CD.
Bill's latest release, Texas Tales, Vol. 1 (2010), reflects this return with nods to the Rev. Robert Wilkins (“Down In Egypt Land”), Waylon Jennings (“Another Drink”), and The Rolling Stones (“Nothin’ But Fine”).
“Parker’s guitar echoes the guitars of Jimmie Rodgers and Keith Richards; its accompaniment is as appropriate, as suitable, as that of the great blues singers. His lyrics are priceless, timeless.”
Stanley Booth, author of The True Adventures of The Rolling Stones
Singer, storyteller, hopeless romantic, shameless purveyor of faded memories and broken dreams, Bill Parker sings not of what is or was, but of what might, could, or should have been.
Watch for Gold Coast, coming soon to a book store and ebook retailer near you!
