John William Parker II, known professionally as Knocky Parker, was born on
August 8, 1918, in Palmer, Texas. He was known for his work in ragtime and
Dixieland jazz. Parker began his musical career with Western swing bands like
The Wanderers and the Light Crust Doughboys before serving in World War II.
After the war, he collaborated with musicians such as Zutty Singleton and Albert
Nicholas. Parker also pursued an academic career as an English professor at
Kentucky Wesleyan College and the University of South Florida. He recorded
extensively for labels including Euphonic, GHB, Ja...