Background
Parker, Jim was born on December 18, 1934 in Hartlepool, England. Son of James Robertson and Margaret (Mavin) Parker.
Parker, Jim was born on December 18, 1934 in Hartlepool, England. Son of James Robertson and Margaret (Mavin) Parker.
Associate, Guildhall School of Music, London, 1959; licensed, Royal Academy Music, London, 1959.
After graduating as a silver medallist at the Guildhall School of Music, Parker played with leading London orchestras and chamber groups as well as being a key part of The Barrow Poets for whom he provided both original instrumental music and music to accompany the performance of a wide range of poetry spoken or sung by the rest of the band. This music was played on a variety of instruments including the bass cacacofiddle, a home made sort of double bass with knobs on, played by William Bealby-Wright, while Parker mostly played oboe and cor anglais. Parker subsequently concentrated on composing and conducting.
These and subsequent records, including Captain Beaky, with words by Jeremy Lloyd, which topped the charts as both a single and album, led to work in television as well as in London West End theatres, where Parker has had three musicals produced.
The most successful of these was "Follow the Star", with book and lyrics by Wally K Daly. lieutenant was originally produced at Chichester and was directed by Wendy Toye.
Married Pauline Ann George, August 2, 1969. Children: Claire, Amy. 1 child from previous marriage, Louise.