Artist Name: Charles Parker
Hometown: Baltimore, MD

1. What project(s) are you currently working on?

Currently promoting the single “Love is Us,” and I’ll be back in the studio to record a new single soon. Summer has been very busy with non-stop shows. I’m looking forward to getting back to recording again.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

I knew when I was a teenager seeing and hearing the the musical influences around me. I picked up guitar and piano early on teaching myself how to play both instruments. Singing came a lot later though. Music seemed to be the only thing I wanted to do so I just continued to pursue it and turned it into a career. Playing in five working bands keeps me pretty busy these days.

3. If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

I would probably be a night club/concert venue owner or booking agent. I have done both. I owned two rock clubs a few years back and brought a lot of national Rock acts to Baltimore. I still book other bands and concerts from time to time. So I guess I would always work in some sort of music business.

4. What is your favorite downtime activity?

Not much downtime lately. But I think even when I have time off I still have something music-related happening. I guess going to the gym, bike riding, and playing basketball.

5. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

When I was younger it was Yasmine Bleeth from Baywatch. I even wrote a funny song about her that’s now up on iTunes. Today, I ‘d have to think about that. I like watching Miranda Lambert perform.

6. Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Well before last week’s game I thought the Cleveland Browns were going to have a great season but that is now up in the air. New England Patriots are always great to watch. Tom Brady was an underdog coming out of college and he proved to be the best. So I always like to see him dominate even though most people don’t seem to like him. Its one of those stories where even though no one really believes in you, you can always prove them wrong and be the best, whether it’s sports or music.

7. What is the last movie that you watched?

Last night I watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the original Gene Wilder version from 1971), great movie.

8. What is the last album you listened to?

Jellyfish Bellybutton. They are the greatest band that you’ve never heard of. Came out in the early 90’s with The Beatles/ Queen/ Beach Boys influences. The most talented Pop band ever but they hit at the same time as Grunge and never had a chance.

9. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That’s a tough one…as a kid I would have said “Alive II” by Kiss . But after playing in a Kiss Tribute band for the last 13 years I might have to pick something else. So much great music came out from the 60’s-90’s, it’s so hard to choose just one album for the rest of your life. I guess The Beatles “1”. That way I would have the greatest hits of their career. Maybe I could just make my own mixtape.

10. What is the greatest country song of all time?

So hard to just choose one…I remember music that my Father and Grandparents played when I was growing up..Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, even some Alan Jackson. For me, I would have to pick Tim McGraw “Live Like You Were Dying.” I came late to the modern Country party but when I heard that song I bought the CD and played it on repeat for days. I actually perform that song live. It’s such a great country anthem.

11. What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

I’d have to say the Southern California coast. So beautiful. I can ride my bike from Malibu to Long Beach on the bike path right along side the Pacific Ocean. Nashville is always fun because of all the music.

12. What is your favorite meal?

I’m from Maryland so Steamed Crabs and Crab Cakes are the best. I would recommend trying seafood to anyone who visits Maryland.

13. Who is your dream duet partner?

Singing Beatle songs with Paul McCartney would be quite amazing. I’ll do the Lennon parts and, well, he could sing the Paul parts. When I wrote my song “Party Girls” I had this Carrie Underwood part in the song. But unfortunately I couldn’t get Carrie to sing. Maybe someday she will.

14. Who would you like to go on tour with?

Right now I would say Bon Jovi. My current single “Love is Us” is sort of paying homage to the Classic 80’s anthem “Living on a Prayer.” I think touring with Jon would be amazing and to be able to play that song live right along side him. He has written some amazing songs over the years and it would a wonderful thing to be a part of.

15. What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To rule the world …just like everyone else. I’d say just to be able to write, record and get the music out to the fans and listeners. I just want people to give it a listen, can’t ask for much more than that. You never know what you are missing.