She began her career in the 1960s, under her birth name Paulette Parker, as member of the Ikettes in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.

She has sung with various acts, including The Gap Band, Donna Summer, Ray Charles, Celine Dion, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Bonnie Raitt, Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Smokey Robinson, Ricky Martin, and Britney Spears.

Growing up in Greenwood, she listened to Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters, Mahalia Jackson, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald.

[2] While Parker was performing at The Alley nightclub, she received a call from Ike Turner to set up an audition for a position as an Ikette.

She declined the chance to be produced by Donny Hathaway, opting to form a band with Andre.

"[3] The band Maxayn consisted of her singing lead, Andre Lewis (synthesizers), Marlo Henderson (guitar), and Emry Thomas (drums).

[6][2] The band moved to Manticore Records in 1975 and were working on a fourth album when issues with the label caused them to abandon the project.

[7] Lewis toured as a backing vocalist with Gino Vannelli, Donna Summer, and Rufus.

She also sang backup on albums for Steve Marriott, Sammy Hagar, The Gap Band, Rosanne Cash, Rita Coolidge, B.B.