Tj Parker was born in Detroit, Michigan, and then relocated with his family to southern California. He started playing guitar, singing and writing at age eleven. Influences include Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Jimmy Hendrix, Stones, Beatles, Bobby Bland and All the Blues kings (Freddie King, B.B. King, Albert King). Tj became interested in pursuing studio work at age eighteen. Just out of high school...
Tj became interested in pursuing studio work at age eighteen. Just out of high school, he began recording for many name artists for Motown (Hitsville) and Solar records (Shalamar) along with world tours and recordings for Belinda Carlisle (from the Go-Gos), Charlie Sexton, Hiroshima, Three Dog Night, Gary Wright (Dream Weaver), and many other live shows in support of recording projects. He has also done T.V. and film dates and voiceovers for many well known entertainment clients.
After leaving his duties as a side man he put together a band and played many shows as "Tj Parker", and he has opened for some well known acts via the Santa Barbara Bowl through his good friend Sam Scranton (general manager of the Bowl). The acts include Michael McDonald, Jackson Brown, David Crosby, Brian Setzer, Buddy Guy, and Little Feet.
Tj Parker also had a long running stand at the world famous Light House In Hermosa Beach and Caf? Boogaloo. This helped in developing his live performance skills along with a faithful following and an acute sense of what could move his audience to a soulful place with his guitar, vocals and song composition.
Recording & Touring Credits as a Featured Guitar Player:
Belinda Carlisle - Live Your Life Be Free (MCA Records)
Charlie Sexton - Live at the Palace (Released in Japan)
Hiroshima - East (CBS Records)
Hiroshima - Another Place (CBS Records)
Shalimar - The Look LP
Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me LP
Spinners - Crossfire (Motown Records)
Tavares - (Motown Records)
Charlene Oliver - (Motown Records)
Brian Wilson
Marilyn Martin
Stephanie Reach
Marvin Hamlish, Jr.
Whitney Houston
Spooky Tooth "live" in - Europe 2005