For as long as Ivan Parker can remember, he has had
a passion for singing. When Ivan was just two years old, his father
was a paster of of a Pentecostal church in Sanford, North Carolina.
During one service, his father asked the congregation if anyone
would like to sing a song. Ivan jumped at the chance and ran to
the microphone. He began singing, "On the wings of a snow white
dove, He sends His pure, sweet love." Ivan Parker sang and sang
until his father had to stop him.
The passion and enthusiasm that Ivan had as a child
is still with him today. Ivan Parker sings gospel music and is often
referred to as Ivan "The Voice" Parker, because of his ability to
use his music to truely minister to people and pull at their deepest
heart strings. Bill Gaither has said, "In an industry dominated
by quartets and mixed groups, Ivan Parker as a solo artist has the
clarity and presence on stage to stand alone. His voice echoes with
the sound of yesterday¹s great singers while his style reflects
the versatility needed for today."
In 1982, Ivan joined the Singing Americans, and in
1993, he joined the Gold City Quartet as the lead vocalist. His
solo career began in 1994. Since then, Ivan Parker has released
13 more albums. His most recent project, "Redeemer" was released
in 2004. In 2005, Parker released a video/DVD. Some of his favorite
songs that he sings are "It is Well With My Soul," "Midnight Cry,"
and "It's True."
Today, Ivan lives with his wife, Teresa, and their
two sons, Ryan and Josh. Ivan performs about 200 times a year. 70
to 80 of those shows are with Bill and Gloria Gaither and their
concert series. Ivan has also had the opportunity to be a part of
most of the Gaither Homecoming Videos.
When asked who his greatest influences have been in
his life, Ivan Parker says his mother and his father. Singers that have
influenced him are Bill Gaither and Jake Hess.
Ivan Parker has received many honors for both his
solo career and his carrer with The Gold City Quartet. His most
cherished, though, came in 1996 when he received the Distinguished
Soloist award from the Department of Music Ministries of the Church
of God.
