Memories | Paul Parker Music

Loading Zone in Chicago

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:36:58 -0800

This was my first appearance outside of the state of California, Right On Target had just hit the dance charts. I did a three city tour, this was a Loading Zone party in Chicago, I then went to Texas to the Loading Zone there, and then New Orleans and played a third club -- three clubs over two weekends. This floor I was standing on was stainless steel, and the dry ice had just evaporated, and it was so wet I could barely move without falling down! The feedback was terrible, because look at the speaker behind me that the microphone can easily point at. From this appearance I learned that sometimes the sound check actually meant I had to rearrange the sound in the club to be able to do a live show. Most singers prior sang along with the record, or traveled with a band. I always sang live, and the tracks were a specially made instrumental recording of the recent release.

Topping the Charts

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:22:17 -0800

In late July of 1982, "Right On Target" hit #1 on Billboard's Dance/Disco chart, right on my 30th birthday. There was a surprise party in my honor. I walked into a crowded room of friends from all my "lives" brought together. That was quite a mix and quite a day!

One interesting phenomenon which seemed to ring was true pointed out by my promoter at the time (Tarquin Featherstone III): "the farther from home you are, the more famous you become."

1982 Premier Hot Shot

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:22:17 -0800

Promo pic which accompanied the release of "Right On Target" as a sticker on the Megatone 45 single's shrinkwrap. This at a time when it was rare for a photo to be on a dance 12".

The bright halo effect around me was achieved using a star filter on the camera lens.

Before Dance Music...

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:22:17 -0800

Before meeting Patrick Cowley in the Autumn of 1979, I was singing with a 5-piece cover band in local San Francisco venues. Some of these gigs would last over three hours! I played occasional guitar and was the lead singer. Our playlist included Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Eagles, Grateful Dead, The Stones ("Wild Horses" was one of my favorites), and of course The Beatles.

Only when I started singing with Patrick Cowley did I get a real education in dance music...especially Latin rhythm and hi hats. Patrick invited me into the studio after a mutual friend introduced us. He liked my vocal style...he just said "sing" and I did the rest!