Soul, rock and pop musician Parkinson is understood to have passed away suddenly on Monday while at home.The 74-year-old had a 56-year-career across various genres in the music industry, starting in 1969 with band In Focus, featuring in several more bands until he launched his solo career in the mid 1970s. Parkinson was recently honoured in News Corp Australia’s Top 50 Aussie Singers in January, and once worked as a cadet journalist at The Daily Telegraph after leaving school aged 15. Publicist Lionel Midford confirmed Parkinson’s death and remembered him as “legendary”.“Just received the saddest news that Doug Parkinson, the legendary Australian Recording Artist with a powerful and soulful voice,” Mr Midford wrote.“Doug Parkinson was widely considered one of the most unusual and influential singer/song writers in the history of contemporary music.”Parkinson’s covers of Beatles’ track “Dear Prudence” and follow-up song Without You hit No. 5 on the Top 40 charts in 1969, before releasing his first solo album in 1973.He also performed in stage productions including Jesus Chris Superstar, Ned Kelly and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, before his most recent solo song release in 2003.Parkinson toured Australia from 2017 to perform tribute shows for Joe Cocker, and was due to perform in Torrensville this Thursday. Molly Meldrum recalled Parkinson’s voice as “outstanding” in January.Parkinson recently paid tribute to radio legend John Brennan who died last week.“The passing of Brenno has changed today forever and my heart goes out to his family and to all who knew this wonderful man,” Parkinson wrote on Facebook.“Australia has not only lost a great man, but also part of our history … goodbye dear Brenno it was an honour and a privilege to have known you.” Parkinson is survived by his wife Suzie.



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