He and his brother, saxophonist Maceo Parker, were key members of James Brown's band.
His drumming style was a major ingredient in Brown's funk music innovations in the 1960s.
[2] In 1964 and 1965 Parker was the drummer on three of Brown's recordings: "Out of Sight," "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag," and "I Got You (I Feel Good).
"[3] "The greatest drummer I ever had in my life was Melvin Parker," Brown reflected in 2004.
Parker rejoined Brown's band in 1969, and appeared on the album Sex Machine.