Melvin Parker
Melvin Parker (June 7, 1944 – December 3, 2021)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was an American drummer. He and his brother, saxophonist Maceo Parker, were key members of James Brown's band.
Life and career
Parker was born in Kinston, North Carolina on June 7, 1944. His drumming style was a major ingredient in Brown's funk music innovations in the 1960s.<ref name="auto">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1964 and 1965 Parker was the drummer on three of Brown's recordings: "Out of Sight," "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag," and "I Got You (I Feel Good)."<ref name=Bryan>Sarah Bryan, Beverly Patterson, African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina, North Carolina Arts Council, 2013, p. 18.</ref>
"The greatest drummer I ever had in my life was Melvin Parker," Brown reflected in 2004. "'I Feel Good', 'Papa's Bag' (sic) – nobody ever did that. Nobody. And they can't do it now. And if I was getting ready to cut a record that was right, I would go get Melvin today, because he's just like a metronome."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Parker's first association with Brown ended when he was drafted in the mid-1960s.<ref name="auto"/> He was replaced in the band by Clyde Stubblefield and Jabo Starks. Parker rejoined Brown's band in 1969, and appeared on the album Sex Machine.<ref name="auto"/>
In 1970, Parker was part of a mutiny by Brown's band. After leaving Brown, Parker joined his brother Maceo's band, Maceo & All the King's Men.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He rejoined Brown briefly in 1976, and played on the hit "Get Up Offa That Thing".<ref name=Bryan />
References
External links
- " The Great Drummers of R&B Funk & Soul" By Jim Payne, Harry Weinger 2007
- Template:Discogs artist