Kansas bred country singer/songwriter Dave Parks first grabbed the national spotlight immediately after high school with a string of appearances on The Nashville Network’s “Be A Star” program. Finishing as a semi-finalist by performing his own songs, Parks knew he had to return to Nashville in a few years with a more mature perspective as an artist. Inspired by a soulful, country-rock sound, Parks has woven his sense of humor, love of family, God and country, and depth of feeling into his writing and vocal styles.

More contemporary than traditionalist, singer/songwriter Parks is recognized for infusing his brand of country music with elements of southern blues, rock and soul without sacrificing country and western fundamentals. His talent was apparent early on. The son of a guitar playing Baptist preacher who is the son of a guitar playing Baptist preacher, Parks grew up with country music on Saturday night and Gospel music on Sunday.

As a high school freshman, Parks was asked to sing a few songs at his annual hometown Watermelon Festival. When he began to sing, something happened to the crowd. Parks said in a 2005 interview, “All the people who were dancing stopped. They were all standing there listening to me. The power in the songs was touching them, but they were touching me too. I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.”

During his four-year stint at Kansas State University, Parks honed his live performance skills by playing at local clubs in and around Manhattan, Kansas. After graduating in 1998, Dave and his wife Renee packed their bags for Music City.

Dave’s videos have even caught the attention of country superstar Craig Morgan who immediately enlisted the video’s director, Dallas Henry, to direct his music video International Harvester which has been a huge success on CMT and GAC.

Dave spent some time on a movie set in 2007—shooting scenes for a film called “A Father’s Choice” for which he also wrote and recorded the title theme song. The sound track should be out soon. Dave wrote and performed 2 of the songs on the sound track and recording another song for the project. The premiere of the movie was January 28.

For more background on this story check out Dave Parks' bio here or to schedule an interview with Dave Parks, e-mail bookdavenow@gmail.com. The video for “Livin’ an American Dream” can be viewed at http://www.myspace.com/daveparksnashville