To celebrate the new album release, Paul opened up his archives to share some personal keepsakes from his exciting time in the spotlight. Periodically, we'll be adding more pictures (with links to high-quality images for you to enjoy) along with personal recollections written by Paul Parker himself.
Memories
Before Dance Music...
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!
1982 Premier Hot Shot
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.
Topping the Charts
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."