Walter Parks

Walter Parks’ original and tributed work is an inspired soundtrack to the Okefenokee Swamp–headwaters of The Suwannee River near where he grew up in North Florida. His research and unique reimaginings of the hollers, hymns and reels of swamp homesteaders is archived in The Library of Congress/American Folklife Collection. For 10 years Walter toured and recorded the world over with Woodstock legend Richie Havens – performing at New York’s Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden and at The Glastonbury Festival in England. In 2014, Walter was the sole accompanist of Judy Collins at her Lincoln Center tribute to Pete Seeger. Walter is the leader of two Americana roots groups – Swamp Cabbage (electric-folk/rock) and The Unlawful Assembly (reimagined spirituals).

What others say:

“The first time I saw Walter Parks I knew I was witnessing a rare talent! From a whisper out of heaven to a 747-like roar Walter can write it, sing it and play it all!”
- JJ Grey (Mofro)

"Walter Parks is an extraordinary singer whose songs can break your heart as well as get you dancing. Lyrical and political, personal and otherworldly at the same time, transcendent as well as down to earth, Walter is a musical treasure, an artist of the highest caliber. To hear him is to be lifted into a mystical sphere. I adore him."
- Judy Collins

“I consider Walter Parks to be a treasure. If I was to think of the best guitarist to ever play Rockwood, Walter is in the top small handful...”
— Ken Rockwood (Rockwood Music Hall, New York City)