Winfield Parker


Winfield Albert Parker was an American soul and gospel singer-songwriter and saxophonist based in Baltimore who was known for his 1971 R&B song "S.O.S. ".

Early life

Winfield Parker was born on June 21, 1942, in Cooksville, Maryland. At the age of 16, he took up the saxophone.

Career

Parker began recording in the 1960s and performed on stage with artists such as Little Richard, Otis Redding, and Ike & [Tina Turner].
In 1971, Parker released a cover of Edwin Starr's "S.O.S.," which became his only nationally charting single, reaching number 48 on the Billboard R&B chart. He continued to perform soul music for the rest of his career, even after shifting focus to gospel music.

Personal life and legacy

In 2013, he received the Gold Mic Award from the Global Entertainment Media Association for his work on soul and gospel music.
Parker became an ordained minister in 1981. He died from complications of COVID-19 on January 18, 2021, at Gilchrist Center in Howard County, Maryland, at the age of 78.

Discography

Studio albums

Selected singles

  • "Shake That Thing" / "Brand New Start"
  • "I'm Wondering" / "Barbara"
  • "S.O.S. " / "I'm on My Way"
  • "Mr. Clean" / "I Love You Just the Same"

Charted single