Winfield Parker
Winfield Parker | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Winfield Albert Parker |
| Born | June 21, 1942 Cooksville, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | January 18, 2021 (aged 78) Howard County, Maryland, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul, R&B, gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, saxophonist |
| Years active | 1960s–2010s |
| Labels | Ru-Jac, Arctic, Wand, Spring, GSF, Little Star, P&L |
Winfield Albert Parker (June 21, 1942 – January 18, 2021) was an American soul and gospel singer-songwriter and saxophonist. Known for his dynamic stage presence and powerful voice, he gained national attention with his 1971 R&B hit "S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)." Parker was also a prominent figure in Baltimore's vibrant R&B and gospel scenes.
Early life
[edit]Winfield Parker was born in Cooksville, Maryland, and raised in a musical environment. He began playing the saxophone in high school and joined a local group called the Veejays. Under the guidance of manager Rufus Mitchell, Parker transitioned from instrumentalist to lead vocalist, a move that would define his music career.[1]
Career
[edit]Parker’s early career saw him performing with and opening for legendary acts including Little Richard, Otis Redding, and Ike & Tina Turner. He began recording in the 1960s for Baltimore’s Ru-Jac Records and later signed with national labels such as Arctic, Wand, and Spring.
In 1971, Parker released a version of Edwin Starr’s “S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight),” which became his only nationally charting single, reaching number 48 on the Billboard R&B chart.[2]
He continued to record and perform soul music through the 1970s and 1980s, later turning his focus to gospel music in the 1990s and 2000s.
Musical style
[edit]Parker was known for his gritty, impassioned vocals and commanding stage presence. His work fused traditional R&B with gospel influences. His emotive delivery and driving rhythm made him a favorite among soul fans, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Legacy and personal life
[edit]Though he had only one nationally charting hit,[3] Parker is remembered as a foundational voice in Baltimore's R&B history. His recordings for the Ru-Jac label have been reissued and celebrated by soul enthusiasts.
Parker became an ordained minister in 1981 and transitioned into gospel music, which he continued performing into the 2000s. This shift reflected both his versatility as an artist and his deep-rooted Christian faith.
Parker died from COVID-19 complications on January 18, 2021, at Gilchrist Center in Howard County, Maryland. He was 78.[4]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- Mr. Clean (GSF, 1972)
- Winfield Parker (Little Star, 1988)
- I Want to Be Loved (P&L Records, gospel, 2000s)
- He’s Able (P&L Records, gospel, 2000s)
Selected singles
[edit]- "Shake That Thing" / "Brand New Start" (Arctic, 1969)
- "I'm Wondering" / "Barbara" (Wand, 1970)
- "S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)" / "I'm on My Way" (Spring, 1971)
- "Mr. Clean" / "I Love You Just the Same" (GSF, 1972)
Charted single
[edit]| Year | Title | Chart (U.S. R&B) | Peak position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | "S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)" | Billboard R&B[5] | 48 |
Television appearances
[edit]Parker made multiple appearances on the nationally syndicated Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel television program, where he performed with gospel stars such as Dorothy Norwood, Vickie Winans, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy.[6]
Associated acts
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Remembering the Late Winfield Parker". WTMD. January 22, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004. Record Research. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004. Record Research. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ "Remembering the Late Winfield Parker". WTMD. January 22, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004. Record Research. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ "About Winfield Parker". Retrieved May 16, 2025.