Jim Parker authors poetry book, ‘A Man Like Me,’ with Don Howard’s illustrations

MADISON – Compiling thoughts from 54 years, Jim Parker’s book of poetry, “A Man Like Me,” spans compositions dating to the 1960s and covers varying subjects and scenarios.

The book’s motivation originated with Don Howard, an artist with experience at Disney studios in California. “Don and I became friends in 2019 and found similar interests in arts and music,” Parker said.

Parker has written poetry since his teenage years. “During high school, I wrote extensively, although few people are aware of my work. Inspired by Black History Month, I sent Don a poem about historical struggles with slavery and loss of identity,” Parker said.

Howard created artwork to interpret Parker’s poem. In 2023, they started exchanging poems and drawings.

In “A Man Like Me,” some poems are fictional; others are based on true events. “When they read the book, readers can decide between imagination and truth-telling,” Parker said.

Parker doesn’t consider himself a ‘formal’ poet but composes from experience with song lyrics, “resulting in ‘plyrics’ — my new word. This is my first attempt at marketing my work as a book.” His work was well received when he recited poems during performances while touring with Baby, a rock band from Amarillo, Texas.

He can’t schedule writing sessions. “Creative personalities create when the MUSE overcomes them” . . . but writers can sit for long periods of time waiting for the Muse to arrive. “It’s a part of a man’s everyday life who has always had a second job to support this terminal genetic disorder known as creativity,” Parker said.

To fund creativity, Parker has worked many jobs: ‘soda jerk’ in high school, house painter, truck driver, pipefitter’s helper, studio musician for Sonny and Cher, mail clerk at Country Music Association, convenience store worker with singer John Anderson, guitarist for Dave and Sugar’s tour. “I’m still selling real estate. Don’t quit your day job.”

As a senior citizen, Parker’s songwriting has thrived:

• Co-writer – Five number-one bluegrass/Americana hits with Billy Droze and Gary Nichols.

• New songs – Two on Droze’s upcoming album.

• Expanding his long-lived “Songwriters Series” in Huntsville – With a new site in Fort Payne on Sept. 18.

His wife Lysa and co-author Barbara Nicholson wrote “Attached at the Heart,” in its third edition.

A Realtor for 46-plus years, Jim earned Emeritus Status in 2019. Currently, he is a Broker Associate with Averbuch Realty.

“A Man Like Me” is available on Amazon and St. Stephens Music Hall, Campus 805 during his performances. For more information, email Jim@jimparkermusic.com or visit JimParkerMusic.com.