Melvin Parker (born June 7, 1944, Kinston, North Carolina) is a drummer.
He and his brother, saxophonist Maceo Parker, were key members of James Brown's band.
Parker's drumming style was a major ingredient in Brown's funk music innovations in the 1960s.
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).""The greatest drummer I ever had in my life was Melvin Parker," Brown reflected in 2004.
And if I was getting ready to cut a record that was right, I would go get Melvin today, because he's just like a metronome."Parker's first association with Brown ended when he was drafted in the mid-1960s.
He was replaced in the band by Clyde Stubblefield and Jabo Starks.
Parker rejoined Brown's band in 1969, and appeared on the album Sex Machine.
In 1970, Parker was part of a mutiny by Brown's band.
After leaving Brown, Parker joined his brother Maceo's band, Maceo & All the King's Men.
He rejoined Brown briefly in 1976, and played on the hit "Get Up Offa That Thing".