Gary Parkes

Gary Parkes’ early life was steeped in music, primarily influenced by his mother’s singing at home.

His initial exposure to gospel came through artists like Jim Reeves and Ernie Ford, whose powerful lyrics—more than the melodies—deeply impacted him. As a Seventh-day Adventist, he committed his life to Jesus Christ at age 12, valuing the conviction and passion behind traditional hymn lyrics.

Years later, while pursuing hip hop and R&B, Gary discovered his singing voice, which others noted had a Luther Vandross-like sound. A friend introduced him to contemporary gospel artists like Fred Hammond and Commissioned, but the Seventh-day Adventist a cappella group Take 6 became a monumental influence. Their focus on voices, intricate harmonies, and scriptural lyrics shaped his entire approach to ministry and the music industry.

Gary began writing his own gospel songs, drawing from his experience as an R&B songwriter. This creative approach quickly gained national and international notice, leading to invitations to sing at conferences and campaigns across Africa, the UK, America, and Jamaica. He strongly emphasizes that his focus is always on conveying the “good news” and hope through the song’s message, not on personal showmanship, and encourages artists to be authentic innovators rather than mere imitators of trends.

Gary’s singing journey diverged from many, as he lacked formal choir training, instead honing his skills while touring with secular groups like Naughty By Nature and supporting artists like R. Kelly. A significant turning point in his personal life occurred when a palm reader, unable to “see” his future, revealed he was “living two lives” and needed to return to church. This powerful confirmation prompted him to recommit to God and prioritize understanding the Word before returning to music ministry.

Since then, Gary has been invited to sing in various denominations, viewing this as divine leading. He highly praises other influential Birmingham gospel artists, including Hazel Watson, Paul Lee (who sang at the Royal Wedding), Maxine Brooks (the “Cece Winans of Birmingham”), the Matthew sisters, Ken Burton, and Dave Copeland, acknowledging their profound impact on his ministry and the UK gospel scene.