Parker was born in Darliston in Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica, where he started his musical journey by singing in church. He later formed the Blues Benders in the mid-1960s who made their debut recording with the song Honeymoon By The Sea. The group arranged an audition for Coxsone Dodd, but due to a mix-up, Parker was the only one to show up. He auditioned as a solo act, impressing Dodd enough to kickstart his solo career. At Studio One, he released various singles including Choking Kind, Run Come, and My Whole World Is Falling Down, along with an album in 1968 titled Keep Your Eyes On Jesus.

Following his time at Studio One, he collaborated with Duke Reid, who produced hits such as Jimmy Brown, Help Me Make It Through the Night, and Kiss an Angel Good Morning. His fame soared, leading him to work with other producers like Bunny Lee, Rupie Edwards, Byron Lee, Lloyd Charmers, and Joe Gibbs. Eventually, Parker grew disenchanted with the music industry and stopped recording, moving to England in 1973 after two years in New York City. Although he occasionally performed, he didn’t resume recording until the early 1980s, when he established his own record label and production company to release gospel music.

Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.