BIOGRAPHY


Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Rob Parissi has had an amazing career in the music industry starting with his number one hit “Play That Funky Music White Boy”.

“Play That Funky Music” became a monster hit in 1976, peaking at number one on both the Billboard R&B and pop charts, while both the single and Wild Cherry’s self-titled debut obtained platinum certification.  Wild Cherry was rewarded with a number of accolades shortly thereafter, including being named Best Pop Group of the Year by Billboard, receiving an American Music Award for Top R&B Single of the Year, and even earning a pair of Grammy nominations for Best New Vocal Group and Best R&B Performance by a Group or Duo.

The group disbanded in 1979 a few years after the huge success of “Play That Funky Music White Boy” and Rob took this opportunity to co-produce the Gary U.S. Bonds Album “Dedication”.  He went on to play guitar with  Bobby Caldwell, write with  Ellie Greenwich and do session work with Billy Squire’s Band which included Doug Lubahn, bass player from The Doors (who also wrote “Treat Me Right” for Pat Benatar), the late Bobby Chouinard, who also played drums for Alice Cooper, and Jeff Golub, who is now a well known Smooth Jazz Guitarist.

Rob Parissi has re-emerged with a new sound in Smooth Jazz and Adult Contemporary music. As a composer, his range is vast and passion unmistakable in every track. Rob has his finger on the pulse of music and listeners will be swept up by Rob’s new invigorating sound.