Jim Parker co-writes bluegrass smash hit

MADISON – As Jim Parker’s music career progresses through the years so does his repertoire of chart-topping songs.

Parker, with co-writers Billy and Ronnie Bowman, wrote the song “Better With Time” that has clinched no. 1 on the bluegrass charts for eight weeks. “Eight weeks is unheard of in that market,” Parker said.

Billy Droze is the artist that performs “Better With Time.” This record was in the top slot of the charts for the entire month of September. Droze’s latest CD is titled “To Whom it May Concern.”

“At 74 and 3/4 years on the planet, I am still inspired to create good music,” Parker said.

As a performing artist, Parker has released six albums and 12 single records. In 2009, he co-wrote and co-published “Bigger Hands,” the title cut recorded by Hall of Famer John Anderson. Parker was co-writer of “Chicken Truck,” Anderson’s performance that reached no. 8 on the charts in 1980.

In addition, Parker co-wrote “I’ve Got a Feeling” that reached no. 20 by Anderson with the ASCAP award in 1978.

In other musical pursuits, Parker has created, produced and hosted Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series for 13 years at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. The popular series showcases talent of Parker’s hit songwriter friends from Nashville, Muscle Shoals, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Canada and surrounding areas.

“The dinner-theater atmosphere has created a highly anticipated monthly event where people listen to great songs from the people who wrote them and hear the stories behind their songs,” Parker said. “Without songwriters, there would be no music in anyone’s lives.”

As a teenager in the 1960s, Parker played in a band and later became a founding member of The Illusions and landed a record deal with Dot Records. Leaving their hometown of Amarillo, Texas, they headed to Los Angeles became “The Kitchen Cinq” recording for Lee Hazelwood’s LHI label.

Three years of hard work later led to jobs with other recording bands like Armageddon and THEM (post Van Morrison). Parker also did some studio work with various recording artists, including Sonny & Cher with guitar and vocals.

Parker is publisher of HenKid Music (BMI); professional and life member of Nashville Songwriters Association International; and member of Global Songwriters Connections.

For more information, visit jimparkermusic.com or billydroze.com.