(January 20, 2020) He was known by millions for a single song, but what a song it was. Robert Parker, the musician and singer who shot to the top of the charts with his 1966 smash, “Barefootin’,” has died at age 89.
The New Orleans born Parker was a saxophonist with eclectic performer Professor Longhair, and became a fixture on the NOLA scene, working with such stars as Irma Thomas and Fats Domino.
Parker moved to the front of the stage in the late 50s, charting with “All Night Long,” but remained under the radar (and continued to hold a “day job”) for nearly a decade before “Barefootin’” made him a household name. The song allowed Parker to tour the world, often performing barefoot while sharing the stage with many of R&B’s most popular performers.
(January 20, 2020) He was known by millions for a single song, but what a song it was. Robert Parker, the musician and singer who shot to the top of the charts with his 1966 smash, “Barefootin’,” has died at age 89.
The New Orleans born Parker was a saxophonist with eclectic performer Professor Longhair, and became a fixture on the NOLA scene, working with such stars as Irma Thomas and Fats Domino.
Parker moved to the front of the stage in the late 50s, charting with “All Night Long,” but remained under the radar (and continued to hold a “day job”) for nearly a decade before “Barefootin’” made him a household name. The song allowed Parker to tour the world, often performing barefoot while sharing the stage with many of R&B’s most popular performers.
Robert Parker never again achieved the level of success he had with his biggest hit, but he remained active, playing local clubs well into his 80s, and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Parker is survived by his wife Carolyn, and by millions of fans who found joy in taking their shoes off for his classic hit.
By Chris Rizik