One of North America's top musicians and a wonderful man, Doug Parker passed December 6th of this year. Big Band leader Harry James said Mr. Parker was "the best piano player I ever had". DJZigZag of WAGRadio's flagship program "Groovin' Blue" worked with this very talented man at the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. where Doug was called upon to compose, arrange and conduct for most of the music-variety, comedy and C&W programs in the 1960's and '70's. DJZZ remembered: "What a beautiful guy and as a bonus, an East-Ender who went to Britannia High School. He was that kinda musician who always had a smile and a warm, carefree attitude". ZigZagZ sez he thinks it comes from Doug having spent a lot of time "on the road" where so much could, if you let it, get you down. In the liner notes of the Harry James L.P. "Harry James In Hi-Fi" (according to www.jazzstreetvancouver.ca) Mr. James gives a lauditory big-up to Doug Parker.
A North American Jazz giant is no longer with us.
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