Rudy Parris
Rudy Parris (born December 16, 1965) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from California's San Joaquin Valley. He gained national recognition as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice (Season 3)[1] and is known for his work in Country, Blues, Rock, and American roots music, particularly within the Bakersfield sound tradition.
Early life
Parris was born and raised in Visalia California. He began studying violin in elementary school before transitioning to guitar during his middle school years. At 17 years old, he was performing regularly at venues throughout Tulare County and the greater Central San Joaquin Valley.[2]
Career
Early career
Parris toured as lead guitarist for Hank Williams III in 2003. He later became a regular performer at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield soon after it opened, appearing in multiple shows alongside Owens and participating in several annual Buck Owens Birthday and New Years concerts.[3]
The Voice
Parris was a member of Team Blake Shelton on Season 3. Recordings of his performances, including “Bad Day (The Voice Performance)” and “Every Breath You Take (The Voice Performance),” were digitally released in 2012 by Universal Records.[1]
Recording and collaborations
He later recorded the album Makin’ My Way at Capitol Records’ Studio B in Hollywood where Merle Haggard and Buck Owens recorded. The album featured collaborations with musicians including Pete Anderson, Pat Vegas, Little Joe, Hank Williams III, Chad Smith, Michael Lee Firkins and actor Michael Madsen.[4]
Parris was involved in the blues music scene both with Ron Thompson and as solo artist. Parris performed on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, sharing stages with artists such as Bobby “Blue” Bland, Taj Mahal, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Buckwheat Zydeco, and others. He also opened for or performed alongside blues artists including Tommy Castro, Magic Dick, Deanna Bogart, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Tab Benoit, Guitar Shorty, Candye Kane, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, Chris Cain, Coco Montoya, Buddy Miles, Joe Louis Walker, and Bo Diddley.[5]
Later work
In 2019, Parris was asked to serve as lead singer for The Buckaroos, the band founded by Buck Owens, with performances scheduled at the Crystal Palace. Engagements planned for 2020 were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]Parris is currently performing a Tribute to Merle Haggard with Merle’s bandleader and steel guitarist, Norm Hamlet. Playing alongside Parris is Skip Edwards, former CMA Pianist of the Year [7]
Discography
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Makin' My Way |
|
| Title | Album details |
| Modern Day Cowboy |
|
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Every Breath You Take" (The Voice Performance) | 2012 | Universal Records |
| "Bad Day" (The Voice Performance) | 2012 | Universal Records |
| "Mama Don't Go" (feat. Jennifer Keel) | 2024 | Bakersfield Believes |
Guest appearances
| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Album
|
|---|---|---|---|
| "NeverEndingTrain" | 2008 | Co-wrote title track. Sang backup vocals | Big House |
| "Kern River Blues" | 2022 | Gregory Porter, Monty Byrom, Amy Adams, Norm Hamlet | Kern River Blues |
| "Mento Buru" | 2001 | Guitar and Mixed Album | Mento Buru |
| "Jennifer Keel" | 2025 | Norm Hamlet, Susan Raye, Johnny Owens, Monty Byrom | Bakersfield Believes |
References
- 1 2 Reiter, Amy (31 October 2012). "'The Voice' recap: The knockout rounds conclude". Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ Peterson, Sarah A. (29 March 2014). "Rudy Parris: The Voice of the Valley". Kings River Life Magazine.
- ↑ Tehee, Joshua (March 6, 2019). "Alumnus of 'The Voice' returns to Buck Owens' Crystal Palace as its featured artistAlumnus of 'The Voice' returns to Buck Owens' Crystal Palace as its featured artist". The Fresno Bee.
- ↑ Allers, Hannahlee (11 March 2014). "Rudy Parris of 'The Voice' Signs Record Deal". The Boot.
- ↑ "B.B. King Tribute Show At West Side Theatre". Riverbank News.
- ↑ Ward, James. "Visalia's Rudy Parris lands gig with Buckaroos at The Crystal Palace in Bakersfield". Visalia Times-Delta.
- ↑ Marty, Jim (May 28, 2025). "A Tribute to Merle Haggard features vocalist Rudy Parris".
Sources
- "The Voice from the Valley". The Sun-Gazette. October 9, 2012.
- "Rudy Parris' story is a reminder to never judge a book by its cover". Monterey County Weekly.
- "Rudy Parris finds path back home". The Bakersfield Californian.
- "Visalia's Rudy Parris lands gig with Buckaroos at Crystal Palace". Visalia Times-Delta.
- "Rudy Parris live concerts during COVID-19". Visalia Times-Delta.
- "Rudy Parris: The Voice of the Valley". Kings River Life Magazine.
- "Rudy Parris lands record deal". The Boot.
- "The Voice recap". Los Angeles Times.