Maceo Parker (IPA: [ˈmeɪsiːoʊ]) (born February 14, 1943) is an American funk and soul jazz saxophonist, best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s, as well as Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970s. Parker was a prominent soloist on many of Brown's hit recordings, and a key part of his band, playing alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. He is by now probably as well known for his own shows, as he has toured continuously under his own name s...
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Maceo Parker (IPA: [ˈmeɪsiːoʊ]) (born February 14, 1943) is an American funk and soul jazz saxophonist, best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s, as well as Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970s. Parker was a prominent soloist on many of Brown's hit recordings, and a key part of his band, playing alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. He is by now probably as well known for his own shows, as he has toured continuously under his own name since the early 1990s and has built up a fan base on this touring alone. Parker's unique rhythmic and rapid playing style is influenced by Cannonball Adderley, David "Fathead" Newman, and mixed with Brown's own innovations in funk music.
Parker was born in Kinston, North Carolina. His father played piano and drums; his mother and father both sang in church. His brother Melvin played drums and his brother Kellis trombone.
He and his brother, Melvin, joined James Brown in 1964; in his book, Brown says that he originally wanted Melvin as his...
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