Melvin Parker (born June 7, 1944, Kinston, North Carolina) is a drummer. He and his brother, saxophonist Maceo Parker, were key members of James Brown's band. Parker's drumming style was a major ingredient in Brown's funk music innovations in the 1960s.[1] 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)."[2]
"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."[3]
Parker's first association with Brown ended when he was drafted in the mid-1960s. 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.
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.[4] He rejoined Brown briefly in 1976, and played on the hit "Get Up Offa That Thing".[2]
References
- ^ https://news.google.com/archivesearch?q=Melvin+Parker%2Bjames+bro
- ^ a b Sarah Bryan, Beverly Patterson, African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina, North Carolina Arts Council, 2013, p. 18.
- ^ Hurtt, Michael (August 2004). "The Mojo interview". Mojo. No. 129. p. 42.
- ^ "Melvin Parker Discography at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
External links
- " The Great Drummers of R&B Funk & Soul" By Jim Payne, Harry Weinger 2007