Most fans know Lloyd Parks as one of reggae’s foremost bass guitarists, and leader of his We The People Band. But he is also a singer of note, scoring with songs like “Slaving” and “Officially”.
Parks is promoting his current song, “Falling in Love With Jesus”, which features saxophonist Dean Fraser. It is a cover of Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler’s hit from 2010.
The veteran musician said Whalum’s soulful delivery influenced him to do a reggae cover.
“What moved me about the song was how the singer handled it and then the lyrics meant a lot to me.”
“Falling in Love With Jesus” is expected to be released in early December. It is Parks’ first gospel song and marks a return to lead vocals.
Born in Kingston, Parks started his career during the late 1960’s as a vocalist with The Termites, then did a stint with The Techniques, one of the rock steady era’s top groups.
While establishing himself as a session musician in the early 1970’s, he had a big hit with “Slaving”, followed by “Officially”.
In 1974, Parks formed We The People Band which was Dennis Brown’s touring unit for many years. He was also musical director of The Professionals, house band at producer Joe Gibbs studio in the 1970’s.
Written By Howard Campbell