In the early 1990’s country was growing rapidly and evolving in many new ways.  The style of the stars singing it was as well.  This artist, even though his chart run was short, was among the first of what was to come in this newer era. He was a sizzling guitarist, a soulful singer, a songwriter and just a new kind of performer. 

The Rock  – First Single

Then, virtually all the major stars were wearing hats, long sleeved button down wild shirts, tight jeans and boots with an acoustic guitar that they sort of played in concerts, but were more of a prop.  All putting on great shows, but the look was all kind of the same.  This guy didn’t wear a hat, he wore sunglasses, he had a beard, and he was going to be heard, if not in voice –  through his guitar.

Big Hit And A Real Favorite

In 1999, we all met Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban.  These artists are really co-stars with their guitars.  But before there was Brad, Keith, there was the original and trailblazing Lee Roy Parnell.  What a fresh artist he was, with his bluesy voice, a slick image, very cool songs, and beyond incredible guitar work.  He is one of the most underrated stars ever in our format.  I believe Parnell helped pave the way for Paisley and Urban, and many others.

What A GREAT Song

Parnell broke through in 1992 with his second album, Love Without Mercy.   It’s in my top five albums of 90’s country, and my top 10 all time country.  The first single, The Rock was a mild hit, but it got him noticed.  The next three singles were all big songs.  What Kind Of Fool Do You Think I Am, went to #2, as did Tender Moment, and the title track #5. He had created a sound that was his, with his vocals and his guitar telling the story. In 1993, the On The Road album was another big success with the title song going to #6 and I’m Holding My Own going to #3. In all he charted 20 some singles during his run.

A #2 Hit

Parnell was a lot of new things.  He was a non-hat act in the hat act era.  He wore waist coats, nice boots and tee’s, and he was almost always photographed and filmed with his guitar.  He was just “cool.”  It’s hard to explain it any other way. I always felt that way about rocker Lenny Kravitz,  he was just  – “cool. ” LRP’s guitar work was aggressive, it was loud, it had the “Parnell Sound.”  It was swampy, it was in your face but not too much.  The subject matter in his songs was straight forward and to the point. 

How GREAT Is This?

He is a great example of a guy with a ridiculous amount of talent, coming through in country’s biggest decade.  Did he get lost in the stampede?  Who knows, but this much we do know.  He is a great songwriter, as he wrote hits for other artists like That’s My Story for Colin Raye.  He also played guitar on many other artist songs and tons of other projects and still performs.  I have no doubt that he gave confidence to new artists (and managers and record labels) that there was indeed room for great guitar work from the star standing at the mic on stage.

Big Song  – Charted Well 

Parnell is considered THE premiere electric slide guitar player anywhere. He’s played everywhere, with everyone for many years.  I would gladly pay to see him play again, because the few times I saw him, it was an experience, and I played all his songs on the radio.

Powerful Song 

Lee Roy Parnell was most certainly –   an original

This Guy Is Good!