Christian Parker

Christian Parker (born July 9, 1968) is an American musician, songwriter, record artist, and guitarist based in New York. His music explores themes of life's challenges, victories, and interpersonal dynamics, like hope, love, loss and faith.
Notable works include albums, such as "Sweethearts: A Tribute To The Byrds 'Sweetheart Of The Rodeo'" "Wonderland," "Best Kept Secret," "Through the Darkness," and "Every Passing Mile," along with singles like "Drug Store Truck Driving Man," "Forever Man," "Hickory Wind," "You Ain't Going Nowhere," "Innocent Eyes," and "Road to Recovery."
He has collaborated with acclaimed artists and producers, including Earl Poole Ball, JayDee Maness, Louie Hurwitz, Woodstock Records, Peter Pendras, and Ron Keck. Parker's contributions to the music industry have earned him recognition in publications and on radio stations across North America.
In 2023, Parker received a nomination for the Best Americana award at the Syracuse Area Music Awards (Sammy Awards). His music is widely accessible to a global audience and is available on major streaming platforms such as Apple Music, YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud.
==Early life and education==
Parker was born and raised along the Canadian border in Canton, NY, to Arlie and Nan Parker. At an early age, he displayed a keen interest in music, mastering the guitar, and songwriting during his school years. He began guitar lessons at 12, the day after John Lennon's death, and quickly learned to play "Rocky Racoon" on the same night as his first lesson.
==Career==
Parker initiated his professional journey at age 17 with the release of his debut album, "Reflections of Tomorrow." 
Parker's role as the lead guitarist for the Waydown Wailers significantly contributed to the success of their 2018 release, "Backland Blues." This album ranked 42 on the Roots Music Report chart. The band also gained recognition as a supporting act for notable performers such as Lady A, Charlie Daniels, Jarrod Niemann, and The New Riders of the Purple Sage.
In 2020, Parker “returned to’ his solo career, with the release of debut album "Every Passing Mile," under SubCat Records. The album featured 13 tracks primarily composed by Parker. Notably, the opening track, "Cast a Line," co-authored with Peter Pendras, emerged during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was distributed by The Orchard, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with Edgewater Music Group.
Subsequently, Parker's discography expanded to include an additional five studio albums. These include works such as "Sweethearts: A Tribute To The Byrds 'Sweetheart Of The Rodeo'" "Wonderland," "Best Kept Secret," “Now & Then,” and "Through the Darkness." Noteworthy singles in his collection encompass "Drug Store Truck Driving Man," "Forever Man," "Hickory Wind," "You Ain't Going Nowhere," "Innocent Eyes," and "Road to Recovery."
In July 2022, Parker released "Best Kept Secrets," featuring 11 tracks from a challenging period in the United States and Parker's personal life. These compositions explore themes of loss, fear, spiritual rejuvenation, and eventual healing. The album encompasses noteworthy songs such as "Weight of the World," "Eternal Flames," "Diamond Sailor," "Heartache is My Friend," and "Love's Final Amen."
Parker has collaborated with renowned artists and producers, including producer Louie Hurwitz, Woodstock Records, Peter Pendras, and Ron Keck. His musical contributions have garnered recognition through features in several publications and broadcasts on radio stations across North America. His work has also been praised by sources like Jambands.com, Blues Blast Magazine, North Country Public Radio, Blues Magazine, and No Depression.
==Music style==
Parker's music style is characterized by emotive lyricism and a fusion of contemplative acoustic and resonant electric guitars. He crafts songs around others' narratives and human experiences, addressing themes of life's challenges, victories, and interpersonal dynamics. While exploring melancholic themes like loss and faith, Parker believes songs offer solace and inspiration. His compositions skillfully transition from moody minor-key verses to uplifting choruses, providing a diverse and emotionally impactful musical experience.
==Discography==
===Albums===
* Reflections of Tomorrow (1986)
* Through The Darkness (1990) remixed and remastered in 2022
* Wonderland (1991) remixed and remastered in 2023
* Now & Then (2007)
* Every Passing Mile (2022)
* Best Kept Secret (2022)
* Sweethearts: A Tribute To The Byrds 'Sweetheart Of The Rodeo (2023)
===Singles & EPs===
* Cast A Line (2021)
* Every Passing Mile (2021)
* Road To Recovery (1990) remastered in 2022
* Weight Of The World (2022) 
* Diamond Sailor (2022)
* You Ain’t Going Nowhere (2023) 
* Forever Man (2023)
* Innocent Eyes (1991) remastered in 2023
* Spirit Of The Trees (2023)
* Drug Store Truck Driving Man (2023)
* Hickory Wind: Byrds Tribute (2023)
==Personal life==
Parker resides in Canton, New York. He is married to his wife, Jennifer Parker, and has 5 children: Emily Curry, Elizabeth, Joshua, Jude, and Gracen Parker.
==In the media==
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==References==
==External links==
* Personal website
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* Christian Parker on Spotify
* Christian Parker on YouTube Music
* Christian Parker on Apple Music
* Christian Parker on Soundcloud
* Christian Parker on TikTok
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Category:1968 births
Category:American musicians
Category:American songwriters
Category:American record producers
Category:American guitarists