Doug Parkinson

Douglas John Parkinson (born 30 October 1946) is an Australian pop and rock singer. He led the band Doug Parkinson in Focus from 1968 to 1971. Their cover version of the Beatles' track "Dear Prudence" (May 1969) peaked at No. 5 on the Go-Set National Top 40. The follow up single, "Without You" / "Hair" (October), also reached No. 5. Between 1966 and 1997 he had six hit singles. In 1978, Doug Parkinson teamed up with Duncan McGuire and formed The Southern Star Band. The band included guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, drummer Mark Kennedy and keyboard player Frank Esler-Smith, who later went on to record and arrange the lush string arrangements for Air Supply. They recorded an album that produced two top 10 hits: "The Hungry Years" and "I'll Be Around". The following year they supported Bob Marley and the Wailers on what was to be the singer’s last tour. Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane has said that Parkinson "conveyed considerable charisma with his imposing presence, 'Lucifer' beard and gruff, raspy voice. He also surrounded himself with mature, seasoned musicians who added to his appeal."