Legendary Drummer, Khari Parker Has Passed Away

Popular Chicago Drummer Khari Parker has passed away. Khari Parker was reported to have died today June 27 2020. He died at the age of 41. Khari Parker cause of death is not yet known as at the time of filing this report.

Tributes Floods Social Media..

Elder Tomiko L. Smith wrote “Khari was an all around great guy. Always was nice and kind to me whenever I would see him on the music scene. Heard him play countless times with my other musician friends and he was cool to hang out with. Prayers to his wife, family, friends and countless others that knew him. RIP”

Vic Salazar reacting to the death of the legendary drummer wrote a lengthy Faceboo Post.

The post reads below..

“IN MEMORIAM: Khari Parker
Saddened by the news of the passing of R&B and jazz great Khari Parker.
Born and raised in Chicago, Khari Parker began playing drums in church and became interested in jazz and fusion during his high school and college years. He left college to gig full time and never looked back, remaining in high demand by acts spanning jazz, rock, R&B, and gospel. Khari gained notoriety playing with Destiny’s Child in the late ‘90s and most recently was the touring drummer for George Benson.
In addition to working with George Benson, Khari played with an impressive roster of artists that included Stanley Clarke, Beyoncé, Jeffrey Osborne, Kelly Rowland, Boz Scaggs, Rafael Sadiq, Kirk Franklin, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Hudson, Joss Stone, Brenda Russell, Steve Cole, Brian Culbertson Official, Richard Elliot, Peter White, Ronald Isley, Gerald Albright Music, Rick Braun, Yolanda Adams, Smokie Norful, The Thompson Community Singers, and The Mighty Clouds of Joy. He was also the house drummer for the Rosie O’Donnell show.
Khari Parker was an incredibly gifted and dedicated musician. His positive attitude and friendly demeanor made him a joy to be around and contributed to his success in navigating a competitive music business. He will be missed sorely.
Khari Parker played Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks.”

Singer and Songwriter, Tim Stop has also reacted to the death of Parker. In a new Facebook post he wrote “The music world has lost a giant. Khari Parker was one the finest musicians I ever knew. He was always the baddest guy on stage, and he was always the kindest guy off. I was blessed to have been able to play with him, and to call him a friend. RIP Khari, you’ll be missed. Khari’s solo at Summerfest 2011. Incredible.”

Don Alford Jr. wrote “Khari Parker man bro this hurts. Incredible drummer, incredible person All around just a great guy. We lost a legend today Prayers up to the family🙏🏽 Thank you for the years that we played together & what you did starting the chain reaction playing on the song “Chasing Dreams” and all the of my records You will be missed.”

Frank Russell wrote “One of the greatest drummers I’ve ever played with the legendary Khari Parker has passed away this morning! Devastation it’s all I can muster! To his beautiful wife and daughter I send my heartfelt condolences! This one will rock our Chicago music community to its core! Khari played so brilliantly on my last two recordings as a leader here we are in Transient Sound. Khari loved the Lord! I love you and will never forget you. RIH. He’s with his wonderful dad who played bass in heaven now!”

Chichago Drum Exchange wrote “Shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Chicago great, Khari Parker. A great man and phenomenal talent who has played with George Benson, Boz Scaggs and Destiny’s Child, to name only a few. A huge loss for us all and Khari will be greatly missed. #rip #khariparker”

Romel Veal wrote “Man  Khari Parker you were so on my heavy on my heart a week ago…. I feel bad cause I should’ve reached out to you…. you left your love and inspiration here on this earth When my son was 4 years old, he use to watch this Destiny’s Child live video over and over (your solo). Last week for Juneteenth he played with his band…. and first thing I said to him was…. “I know exactly where the inspiration came from how you ended your solo …. and we both said KHARI! If anybody ever asked me who are my favorite drummers…. for sure your name was always mentioned…. and always shared this story. 
I will never forget the first time we played together… On the west side of Chicago with Salem Youth church…. We played “I Will Bless The Lord by Byron Cage” honestly this was one song that I was not a fan of… just saying I simply did not like this song.  But, after we played at least 8 bars… I noticed something dramatically different…. The groove, the pocket, the tempo, the feel, the foundation!!!! I had played this song with so many different drummers and it always felt rushed or just hyper excited …. You added no chops or feels …. wait  maybe one transition in the vamp  …. Dude that was amazing You taught me from the drums …. without saying one word…. “That it simply has to feel good!” From all the production and live gigs we worked on mutually with a Terisa Griffin churches around the Chicago area to Jazz gigs with Roxanne Jackson Stevenson …. it has been pleasure to have simply known you. I could not help but just smile everytime we crossed paths. Your love and spirit will forever live on. Rest in Heaven King”

Khari Parker has spent his entire life in Chicago. He began playing drums in church and became interested in jazz and fusion during his high school and college years. He left college to gig full time and hasn’t stopped since, remaining in high demand by acts spanning jazz, rock, R&B, and gospel. He gained notoriety playing with Destiny’s Child in the late 90’s and is currently the touring drummer for George Benson.