Robert Parker

As a saxophonist and vocalist, Robert Parker ranked among the pioneering figures of postwar New Orleans rhythm and blues and rock and roll, beginning his professional path in tandem with Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew. Born in New Orleans in 1930, he adopted the saxophone during his teenage years and by 1949 performed behind Professor Longhair, including on that year’s hit “Mardi Gras in New Orleans.” Across the ensuing decade his horn supported Domino, Ernie K-Doe, Irma Thomas, Earl King, Eddie Bo, Frankie Ford, and Huey “Piano” Smith, among many additional artists. In 1958 he secured a solo contract with Ace and issued his first single, “June Teen” b/w “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” the same year. Regional success arrived in 1959 on the Ron label with the two-part instrumental “All Night Long, Pts. 1-2.” Early-1960s sides appeared on Imperial and Booker Records before he joined Nola Records in 1965. His greatest commercial achievement followed in 1966 when the label’s debut single, “Barefootin’” b/w “Let’s Go Baby,” climbed to number two on the R&B chart and number seven on the pop chart. Although Nola eventually released ten further singles and an LP after some delay, none repeated that breakthrough; while American interest remained sporadic, British audiences proved far more consistent, prompting regular tours of England throughout the second half of the 1960s. Parker moved to Silver Fox Records in 1969 and was later reassigned to SSS International, the principal imprint of co-owner Shelby Singleton. His recording career concluded by the close of the 1970s, yet he continued performing live for years afterward and closed his discography in 1984 with a new recording of “Barefootin’.” Induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame took place in April 2007. He died on January 19, 2020, in Roseland, Louisiana, at the age of 89.