After the Army and UCLA, Wayne did freelance work as a standup bass player and singer with several different musical groups. He played guitar in one of the first beach movies, “For Those Who Think Young.” He moved into independent music production, producing musical artists or groups such as “Children of the Mushroom,” and marketing them to major music companies. Eventually he started composing and publishing his own works. He had three of his songs performed by major artists, and two albums of his own: “Boys in the Bunkhouse” and “Oklahoma Twilight.” He did two Clint Eastwood movies: “Every Which Way But Loose” and “Any Which Way You Can,” in which he played guitar and sang in the bar scenes.
Wayne worked with known performers, producers, filmmakers, comedians and some very talented people, but his greatest pleasure was composing music and creating music videos, especially for his daughter Robin Leigh, who passed at the age of 27.
Semi-retired, he worked for the Town Crier and drove for Idyllwild Arts where he had the oportunity to meet amazingly talented youth. Always youthful himself, he joined Facebook and today has 517 friends. That’s only those on Facebook. He’s posted some of his latest music on Reverb Nation which he was working on building his music catalog when he became ill. Wayne will always be remembered and loved by his wife Lori, his family and friends. Wayne raised four daughters and a son, has eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Richard Lewis “Wayne” Parker at the Idyllwild Arts Academy Fireside Room in Nelson Hall (changed from Stephens Recital Hall) at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 8, followed by a dinner.
Wayne’s only request is that you wear something red on that day.