Check Out Mike Parker’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Mike Parker.

Hi Mike, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Of course!!

Well, my journey started as soon as I came out of the womb! My mom and dad were in a jazz band together when they were my age! Music brought them together, and it’s a special bond that the entire family shares.

Talent shows were my knack from elementary school until I graduated, but when I got to high school, I decided to focus on football. That led to several scholarships that wouldn’t transpire too much due to my focus and willingness to work in the classroom. A few lessons were learned, and I found myself in Atlanta giving football another shot.

A semester in, the feeling of being in the wrong place settled in. My brother called me one night and told me The Voice reached out to him to come and audition. I had a conversation with God that night, and the next day, I was packing my bags to move back home to pursue music full-time.

I auditioned and was told no twice, back-to-back seasons, and I felt like I had made the biggest mistake of my life by giving up football for music. I took a break from the TV show world for a couple of years, and when I found myself in a skid steer trying to make ends meet, I decided it was time for another try.

This time, it was American Idol. By the grace of God, I was able to make it to the top 10, which led to me being seen by hitmaker Jimmy Robbins. Jimmy encouraged me to move to Nashville, put a roof over my head while I got on my feet, and signed me up for a record deal. I have the pleasure of working side by side with a legend.

He and his wife, Sarah, also my manager, push me to be the greatest version of myself. I’m truly blessed to have them in my life. It’s kinda crazy.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Things aren’t always going to go as you plan them, and I’ve learned that timing is all up to God. It’s not easy being an artist. Just everyday struggles on top of figuring out what you want to say, how you’re gonna say it, and doing it consistently while keeping your cool.

But music is the reason we’re all here. So I’ve fallen in love with it so much that it gives me tunnel vision.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve prided myself on my ability to connect with my audience.

I’m not a flashy guy. I wear the same two pairs of boots and occasionally the snake skin on a special night. I was born and raised in Northern Virginia on 20 acres. Country living, simple people all living a simple life. And that’s what u want to represent and be remembered for. Taking life easy!

I’m most proud of my gift to sing. I’m proud, and I wake up every day with a mission to make the people around me proud.

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
Risk-taking is embedded in artistry.

We create songs that share who we are and share that with the world. That’s a risk. Is the audience going to relate? Will they love me for this? Will they hate me for that? Vulnerability is a risk. And it’s our job.