In addition to being a fine artist, Parker has played drums for the better part of his life.

 

“My uncle was a drummer, so I inherited old cymbals and tom toms. At home we had a desk with drawers, which I played on. I didn’t get a real drum set until college.” 

 

Parker went on to play with jazz musicians including Archie Shepp, clarinetist Tony Scott and saxophonist Carmen Leggio. 

 

Four of five of Parker’s sons grew up to become professional drummers.