Doug Parkinson

For the member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council in Australia, see Doug Parkinson (politician).

Doug Parkinson
A 34-year-old man is shown in an upper body shot. He is singing into a microphone held in his left hand. He wears an open blue shirt. His hair is in an "afro" cut, while his beard shows cleared upper lip and lower lip with a line of beard framing his mouth and lower chin. Behind him are yellow and white lights (partly obscured).
Performing "Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Any More" on Countdown, July 1981
Background information
Birth nameDouglas John Parkinson
Born(1946-10-30)30 October 1946
Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
OriginSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died15 March 2021(2021-03-15) (aged 74)
Northern Beaches, New South Wales, Australia
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actor
  • entertainer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1965–2021
Labels
  • Polydor
  • CBS
  • Hammard
  • Raven
Websitedougparkinson.com

Douglas John Parkinson (30 October 1946 – 15 March 2021)[1] was an Australian pop and rock singer. He led the bands Strings and Things/A Sound (1965), the Questions (1966–1968), Doug Parkinson in Focus (1968–1970, 1971), Fanny Adams (1970–1971), the Life Organisation (1973), Southern Star Band (1978–1980) and Doug Parkinson Band (1981–1983). Doug Parkinson in Focus's cover version of the Beatles' track "Dear Prudence" (May 1969) peaked at No. 5 on the Go-Set National Top 40. The follow-up single, "Without You" / "Hair" (October), also reached No. 5. Parkinson released solo material and performed in musical theatre productions.

Two studio albums associated with Parkinson: I'll Be Around (March 1979) by Southern Star Band and Heartbeat to Heartbeat (March 1983) by Doug Parkinson Band, reached the National Top 60. Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane wrote that Parkinson, "conveyed considerable charisma with his imposing presence, 'Lucifer' beard and gruff, raspy voice. He also surrounded himself with mature, seasoned musicians who added to his appeal."[2]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference McPhee was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference McFarlane was invoked but never defined (see the help page).