Genre

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Film

 

 

Vocal

 

Dean Parks is a renowned American guitarist, composer, and arranger who has made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on December 25, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley in California. Parks was exposed to music at a young age, as his father was a jazz musician who played the saxophone and clarinet. He started playing the guitar when he was just six years old and quickly developed a passion for music. Parks began his professional career in the 1960s, playing in various bands and performing in clubs and bars. He gained recognition for his exceptional guitar skills and was soon hired as a session musician. Parks worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Quincy Jones. He also collaborated with renowned producers such as Phil Ramone, David Foster, and Rick Rubin. One of Parks' most significant contributions to music was his work with Steely Dan. He played guitar on several of the band's albums, including "Katy Lied," "The Royal Scam," and "Aja." Parks' guitar solos on songs like "Josie" and "Peg" are considered some of the best in rock music history. He also worked with Steely Dan's Donald Fagen on his solo albums, including "The Nightfly" and "Kamakiriad." Parks' work with Michael Jackson was also noteworthy. He played guitar on several of Jackson's albums, including "Off the Wall," "Thriller," and "Bad." Parks' guitar solo on "Beat It" is one of the most iconic in pop music history. He also worked with Jackson on his "Dangerous" and "HIStory" tours, playing guitar and serving as the musical director. In addition to his work as a session musician, Parks has also released several solo albums. His debut album, "Moving Target," was released in 1995 and featured a mix of jazz, rock, and blues. Parks' second album, "Blue," was released in 2001 and showcased his skills as a composer and arranger. He has also released several instructional guitar videos and has taught at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Parks has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Guitar Player magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Parks has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for his work on Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" and Best Pop Instrumental Performance for his solo on "Blues for Mingus." Despite his success, Parks remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to work as a session musician and collaborates with artists from a variety of genres. Parks' contributions to music have had a significant impact on the industry, and his guitar solos and arrangements will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.

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