Pam Parker - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Pam was born in Nutbush Tennessee to sharecroppers. She moved to St Louis in 1925 and took up with a no good band leader by the name of Ike. Oh, no wait.. thats the Tina Turner story, Pam’s story is slightly more mundane. She was born in Washington DC to a homemaker and a systems analyst for the Department of Defense.She had always felt a kinship with the "huddled masses yearning to breathe free," so began singing at peace and justice rallies as a way to contribute to the "movement" when she was just a teenager.Pam had never been much for words, so felt very thankful that she was able to offer support with her singing. While an electrician she became a union activist and made connections with progressive unionists and organizers that she still enjoys today.Pam decided to incorporate her progressive leanings into music inside of doors after watching her younger son train under some local masters and flourish as a vocalist. He’s performed (since the age of ten) as part of ensembles and as a soloist. He was accepted into every school he applied to including the prestigious Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD.Pam has a three octave range and sings with rare clarity and comfort. She began to sing out in clubs just a few years ago and quickly found herself in the midst of very gifted musicians. She has since performed at the legendary Blues Alley, at the Black Congressional Caucus gala in Washington DC, at union conferences, at the New School and the historic Community Church in New York, in Los Angeles, Richmond, and North Carolina. She was also fortunate enough to sing a lead in a Jazz Opera entitled the Forgotten and perform at Pete Seeger’s 88th birthday tribute in Memphis Tennessee. Pam’s sense of humor along and great singing make her live performances as memorable as they are enjoyable.Pam is frequently heard on progressive radio in many cities and has just finished her third CD Bread & Roses.Check out the new facebook page.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 04/12/2006
Band Website: www.pamparker.com
Band Members: Pam Parker, Jobari Parker-Namdar, Dan Reynolds (piano), Richard Miller (guitar), Scott Giambusso (bass), Davey Yarborough (sax/flute), & Francis Thompson (drums).
Influences: Sarah Vaughn, James Taylor, Chaka Khan, James Brown, Nina Simone, Steely Dan, Koko Taylor, Big Mama Thornton, Elton John, George Clinton, Carole King, Ella Fitzgerald, Dolly Parton et al
Sounds Like: BARACKY: THE MOVIE
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Record Label: Yardbird Music
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Labor Solidarity Through Culture

We had a great night at the COPE dinner tonight where the Charm City Labor Chorus was formally introduced by Ernie Greco of the Baltimore Central Labor Council to the Maryland Labor Community. Present...
Posted by on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:49:00 GMT

Losing Spike

ugh! I have to put (my good friend/adopted son) Spike down this weekend. He's been a loyal pal and confidante. He's almost 21 years old. I let his sister die at home 5 years ago, but he's no...
Posted by on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:20:00 GMT

Friends Able to Retire Early Worry Re: Filling All the Hours in a Day..Suggestions from Pam

1) Sleep until you wake up naturally 2) Make a nice breakfast for yourself 3) Eat it while watching Ellen or the Price Is Right (Bob Barker version screw Drew Carey) 4) Go back to sleep 4) Call Pam at...
Posted by on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:23:00 GMT

The Eagles

No, no not the footbal team "Einstein"! the band. I just got back from an Eagles concert. I saw them at the Verizon Center in China Town (Washington DC). I rarely go to shows in big arenas, but the pr...
Posted by on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:39:00 GMT

Pet Peeves

11/6/2008 Aw nevermind!
Posted by on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:16:00 GMT

Picture of my kittens mom up for adoption at the Hampden SPCA..kittens already adopted

She was a stray that I had taken in once the kittens came. Her name is Marmalade. Sweet cat. If my old cat Spike would have gotten along with her she could have stayed with us, but at 20 years old he...
Posted by on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:49:00 GMT

Giving Away My Babies

I have been fostering 4 kittens for almost 8 weeks now. I will be giving them up for adoption on next Wednesday. They are extremely cute and lovable and so are my bandmates, so I've given them t...
Posted by on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:05:00 GMT

Jobari in Washingtonian Magazine

Jobari was featured in an article entitled "Rising Stars" in Washingtonian magazine (October issue). Go Jo! its your birthday!
Posted by on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:57:00 GMT

Washington Post article on Jobari and Pam

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07 /31/AR2008073100759.html
Posted by on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:36:00 GMT

Jobaris Signature Performance...Wow!

Wow! Jobari was so great last night.The house was packed with friends, fans, theater agents and patrons and strangers just looking for some fun. They found it all last night. He opened with a comedic ...
Posted by on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:20:00 GMT