Called by the Lord to deliver
“Life Changing Music” and blessed with what some call a “church voice”
Parrish Watson views his music as ministry, an instrument used for God’s
glory. Known for his spontaneous moments of worship, prophetic singing,
and the unique ability to blend traditional gospel, smooth ballads, and
R&B, Parrish is creating and delivering music with a message that
transcends cultural, generational, and denominational lines.
Parrish was born and raised in Chicago Illinois into a family of
musicians and singers. As a young child, he eagerly participated in what
was to quickly become a Sunday family tradition- a singing showcase at
Big Mama’s house.
During his senior year Parrish was approached
by four guys looking for the right sound to complete their group.
Parrish joined the group and began his journey as the fifth member and
lead vocalist of “Perfect Timing: Brothers in Harmony.” Parrish and
Perfect Timing’s debut performance was at Kankakee’s Black History
Program in front of a crowd of twelve hundred people.
What
followed was a dream come true for the quintets. Through word-of-mouth
and sheer determination, the group went on booking shows and performing
in the Midwest and developed quite a following. By the summer, the group
had recorded and released their first tape, “PT: The Plot Thickens,” had
a writer, Darrell Hines and a new manager, Patricia Polk- an
international talent pageant coordinator. By the end of the year, the
group had signed with Al Roc Productions.
Under the guidance and
watchful eye of Polk, Parrish and the group were groomed and given a
clean- cut look to give them cross over appeal which would add to their
fan base. Parrish was also given the opportunity to hook-up with
different producers in the industry and write the group’s material.
Touring the country and enduring countless hours of vocal training not
only gave Parrish experience that he was hungry for but also solidified
his musical ambitions.
Parrish and the group would go on to
perform in front of thousands and at major venues throughout the country
including: Showtime at the Apollo, the Easter Seals Telethon, and
Chicago’s music festivals and to share the stage with such musical
talents as Teddy Riley’s Blackstreet and Hi-Five.
Commenting on
these significant milestones, Parrish says, “… true music ministry isn’t
simply writing songs, but about walking with God and experiencing Him,
and allowing him to birth ministry through those experiences.”
Today’s generation of Gospel artists are on the very cutting- edge of
their industry and Parrish Watson is no exception. He is simply grateful
that God is taking him to another level artistically and spiritually and
allowing him to be an instrument of praise and true worship. |