Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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PARNELL, Lee Roy

(b 21 Dec. '56, Stephenville TX) Country singer, songwriter, slide guitarist, his bluesy style gaining him respect from critics and fellow performers. Father was a blackface comedian who travelled with medicine shows; Bob Wills was a family friend. Lee Roy moved to Austin after completing high school to play honky tonks and bars; made several unsuccessful forays to Nashville, moving there '87 when he landed a songwriting deal. Formed his own band and was discovered by Tim Dubois (head of Arista Nashville) playing the Bluebird Cafe; made country chart debut with 'Crocodile Tears' '90; top ten with 'What Kind Of Fool Do You Think I Am' '92; further top ten hits '92--5, many self-penned; also wrote songs covered by Sweethearts of the Rodeo, David Wills, Jo-El Sonnier etc; also sessioned, worked a lot with Delbert McClinton. Albums incl. Lee Roy Parnell '90, Love Without Mercy '92, On The Road '93 on Arista; We All Get Lucky Sometimes '95 on Career.