Robert Parker (October 14, 1930 – January 19, 2020) was an American R&B singer and musician, best known for his 1966 hit, 'Barefootin'. Parker was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, and started his career as a saxophonist, playing with Professor Longhair on his hit "Mardi Gras In New Orleans" in 1949.
Over the next decade, he played with most of New Orleans' musicians, including Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, and Huey "Piano" Smith. By 1958, he had started recording solo, having a local hit with the instrumental "All Night Long". In 1965 he signed for Nola Records, and had his biggest hit with "Barefootin’". It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA. Although he continued to record, he failed to repeat his success in terms of sales, and his recording career effectively ended in the 1970s. However, he continued to perform and tour for many more years, remaining especially popular in the UK.
In April 2007, in recognition of his contributions to Louisiana and national music, Parker was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. On July 19, 2009, he performed "Barefootin'" and "Where the Action Is" in a 'Tribute to Wardell Quezergue,' a concert at Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center in New York. Parker died on Janaury 19, 2020 at his home in Roseland, Louisiana at the age of 89.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played some tracks from the singer, due to his interest in his music, as well as, his name Robert Parker, which was the middle names of John Robert Parker Ravenscroft (Peel's real name).
Shows Played[]
- T241: Let's Go Baby (Where The Action Is)
- 24 June 1980: Barefootin' (7") Island
- 29 July 1980: Barefootin' (7") Island
- 1986
- 12 November 1986: June Teen (v/a LP - Crescent City Bounce) Ace
- 1987
- 26 October 1987: 'Get Right On Down (LP-Get Ta Steppin')' (Charly)
- 2002
- 20 June 2002 (Radio Eins): Barefootin' (album - Land Of 1000 Dances)