13 Facts About Junior Parker

Herman "Junior" Parker, known as Little Junior Parker, was an American blues singer and harmonica player.

Junior Parker is best remembered for his voice which has been described as "honeyed" and "velvet-smooth".

One music journalist noted, "For years, Junior Parker deserted down home harmonica blues for uptown blues-soul music".

Junior Parker moved with his mother to West Memphis, Arkansas, during the 1940s.

Junior Parker sang in gospel groups as a child and, beginning in his teenage years, played on various blues circuits.

In 1951, Junior Parker formed his own band, the Blue Flames, with guitarist Pat Hare.

Later in 1955, Junior Parker joined Duke Records and toured with Bobby Bland and Buddy Ace.

Junior Parker's success was limited after he left Duke in 1966.

Junior Parker recorded for various labels including Mercury, Blue Rock, Minit, and Capitol.

Junior Parker died on November 18,1971, at age 39, in Blue Island, Illinois, during surgery for a brain tumor.

In 2001, Junior Parker was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

Junior Parker is inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame.

In 2011, Junior Parker was honored with a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in Bobo.