Dean Parrish RIP

[Amsterdam Russ]

Although I cannot find any announcements from family, it would appear from the many posts on Facebook this morning that Dean Parrish has passed away. 

https://www.facebook.com/dean.parrish.5

Is anyone able to confirm this sad news?

Edited June 10, 2021 by Amsterdam Russ

[Leicester Boy]

Wow i hope your wrong.

[Tomangoes]

RIP.

A superstar in our world.

What a legacy of music he leaves.

Ed

[Happy Feet]

Another sad day in Soulville ,. RIP Dean , condolences to your family and loved ones 

[Leicester Boy]

RIP an iconic part of the scene.

[Zoomsoulblue]

Back in 79 named my first boy Dean after him

78 in junk shops in South London picked up a Stateside copy of Determination for 10p

when I met him while touring here I got him to sign my end of an era final night Wigan ticket - very humble man - I truly don’t believe he knew how big he was on the NS scene - RIP and thanks for you’re music

[Paul Junior Walker]

RIP, I was lucky enough to have met Dean in Madrid, he appeared at the S.M.A.R.T weekend... 

I think he performed "im on my way" 3 times, then joined the crowd after, he was stood by the bar and I couldn't resist to ask are you still here? 

He laughed it off then we chatted for about 30 mins... 

True gent and such a powerful voice... 

[Winsford Soul]

Mr Dean Parrish . Sleep well and may you rest in soulful peace and thank you for playing your part in the soundtrack of my life

 

 

[Corbett80]

1 hour ago, Paul Junior Walker said:

RIP, I was lucky enough to have met Dean in Madrid, he appeared at the S.M.A.R.T weekend... 

I think he performed "im on my way" 3 times, then joined the crowd after, he was stood by the bar and I couldn't resist to ask are you still here? 

He laughed it off then we chatted for about 30 mins... 

True gent and such a powerful voice... 

Also met him for the first time in Spain too - he was an absolute gentleman as you say and what a voice on him. He sang ‘It’ll Never Be Over For Me’ too for Timi Yuro and there were a few tears.

Rest well Deano! Xxx

[Daniel Nooger]

I have a Dean Parrish story.  Back in 1979 while I was working at Atlantic Records as a staff writer in the publicity department, I was assigned to write a bio for that month's release book for an album called "Stairway To Love" by a disco/rock project called The Wonder Band (disco versions of a few Led Zep songs, including "Stairway To Heaven") which was put together by a couple of the label's producers.  Dean (r/n Phil Anastasia) had been drafted in to provide lead vocals.  So I was talking with him in my office and mentioned that I liked "Determination" and "I'm On My Way".  I'll never forget his response: "You like that old stuff?"  The WB album didn't go too far; apparently Zep's management had some issues with it so the project was pretty much squashed.   

[Frankie Crocker]

Very sad news. So glad I saw him perform at Cleethorpes and The 100 Club. Great that he lived long enough to experience the affection the scene had for him and his music.  An absolute legend with several top sounds to his name. Dean, you will never be forgotten.

[Martin L]

gutted fkin ell 

what a legacy

R I P  brother 

 you will  always remembered by us 

Thank   you 

M 

[Catsprint]

Sad to hear the news, met him a couple of times in recent years.  Nice chap who is now on his way.

[Soulmark]

I was lucky enough to meet dean at Wigan shopping mall what a guy thanks for the great memories r i p dean thanks mark

[Mssoulie]

 

Thank you Dean . Rest in piece sir. Such sad news.

That nighter up there is  getting to be a real packer and the headline acts are amazing. Let's hope that's true and we all get to do it all again forever.

Hugh x Yvonne

[David Moore]

RIP Dean Parrish,forever part of the NS scene it's really good that he came to know of his popularity in Britain & had the opportunity to appear live here but it's a shame that I'm On My Way sold a million copies in the years after its release on U.K. Records & Dean never received a penny in royalties

[Michael V]

Lovely tributes from all the above-and Dean deserves them;a fine singer and artist whose great records really have meant something special to all of us  and given us much joy over the years

[Neil Austin]

What very sad news to learn of the passing of dean Parrish 

what an amazing legacy of music 

and closing the casino nighter at 8.am

each week  as we all went on our way to the train station back to Lancaster with

the crowd 

cherished times were enjoyed 

[Soulandy]

Sad news. Another icon of the soul scene gone but definitely not forgotten. R.I.P

[Blackpoolsoul]

RIIP sir, you gave the UK youth a memory that will never be forgotten and one day we will all be "On Our Way"

[Mr Fred]

Just heard the news, Many happy times spent on the dance floor to Dean's Soul Sounds and future dancing to them too.

R.I.P. Dean. Jacque & Fred Ward.

[Chris Turnbull]

On 10/06/2021 at 20:54, David Moore said:

RIP Dean Parrish,forever part of the NS scene it's really good that he came to know of his popularity in Britain & had the opportunity to appear live here but it's a shame that I'm On My Way sold a million copies in the years after its release on U.K. Records & Dean never received a penny in royalties

How come?

[Michael V]

Not sure why Dean did'nt make any money from the UK reissue,but  UK Records was owned by Jonathan King; the label's top act, 10 cc, were very unhappy with the paltry royalties they received (which was the reason they left him,apparently)-and they were having Top Ten hits inc. a No. 1!

[Chas]

Another one, sadly it's only the songs that are timeless. 

[Hooker1951]

Sad news indeed met Dean a genuine nice guy non pretentious it’s a crying shame but we are all coming to that age when anything might happen health wise so look after yourselves and enjoy each and everyday like it might be your last, don’t keep waiting for tomorrow.

R I P Dean Parrish

Mick L

[Tony Foster]

Very sad news, our sincere condolences to all family and friends, RIP a true legend 

[Corbett80]

Hope Dean’s family are also aware of his legacy on the international soul scene and how much he was loved by the fans. :):)

[Valiant55]

R I P, DEAN,YOUR ON YOUR WAY,TO NORTHERN SOUL HEAVEN

[Ady Croasdell]

18 hours ago, Michael V said:

Not sure why Dean did'nt make any money from the UK reissue,but  UK Records was owned by Jonathan King; the label's top act, 10 cc, were very unhappy with the paltry royalties they received (which was the reason they left him,apparently)-and they were having Top Ten hits inc. a No. 1!

The record company that licensed it would not have known where to send the royalties as he was not registered anywhere by then 

[Ady Croasdell]

On 10/06/2021 at 16:25, DANIEL NOOGER said:

I have a Dean Parrish story.  Back in 1979 while I was working at Atlantic Records as a staff writer in the publicity department, I was assigned to write a bio for that month's release book for an album called "Stairway To Love" by a disco/rock project called The Wonder Band (disco versions of a few Led Zep songs, including "Stairway To Heaven") which was put together by a couple of the label's producers.  Dean (r/n Phil Anastasia) had been drafted in to provide lead vocals.  So I was talking with him in my office and mentioned that I liked "Determination" and "I'm On My Way".  I'll never forget his response: "You like that old stuff?"  The WB album didn't go too far; apparently Zep's management had some issues with it so the project was pretty much squashed.   

Did it actually come out? 

[Daniel Nooger]

16 minutes ago, Ady Croasdell said:

Did it actually come out? 

The album did come out, as well as a 12-inch single; Discogs lists several different versions available and mostly rather inexpensive 

[Bruv]

R I P Dean, rest in peace you were a Northern Soul Legend...

[Catsprint]

On 12/06/2021 at 13:05, Corbett80 said:

Hope Dean’s family are also aware of his legacy on the international soul scene and how much he was loved by the fans. :):)

Very much so, a few years ago I met his daughter who was accompanying him on a UK tour.

[Gaz T]

respect to dean

simply respect

great loss

 

[Corbett80]

21 hours ago, Catsprint said:

Very much so, a few years ago I met his daughter who was accompanying him on a UK tour.

Great to hear

[Rick Cooper]

This is the obituary for Dean in The Guardian. I'm not sure what to make of it, pleased that he is recognised by the mainstream media but dismayed by the prominence given to one record, Wigan Casino and Russ. 

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jun/18/dean-parrish-obituary

[Happy Feet]

I'm so pleased that he made the Guardian , Bricks Broken Bottles And Sticks Is in there too ,all in all a nice obituary , and thank you the Guardian 

[Ady Croasdell]

35 minutes ago, Rick Cooper said:

This is the obituary for Dean in The Guardian. I'm not sure what to make of it, pleased that he is recognised by the mainstream media but dismayed by the prominence given to one record, Wigan Casino and Russ. 

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jun/18/dean-parrish-obituary

Particularly as Dean’s first European show was Cleethorpes in 2003 not Prestatyn in 2001 - I think that was 2010. Andy Rix found him and I brought him over

[Blackpoolsoul]

I have found a page where tributes can be left for those who wish to

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/21344665/Philip-Anastasi/wall

[Frankie Crocker]

20 hours ago, Rick Cooper said:

This is the obituary for Dean in The Guardian. I'm not sure what to make of it, pleased that he is recognised by the mainstream media but dismayed by the prominence given to one record, Wigan Casino and Russ. 

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jun/18/dean-parrish-obituary

Thanks for posting. I managed to miss it yesterday when skimming the Guardian. This morning I retrieved it from the recycling pile and what a fine tribute it is, taking up three quarters of a page. Like yourself, there were bits that made me scratch my head, but overall, it was nice testament to Dean with ample historical context for those who need informing. I am not sure why Frank Wilson’s £25K sale rated a mention - perhaps this is a clue to the identity of the author? I would have liked to read about the Laurie story, the Boom years and Dean’s initiation into the scene at Cleethorpes, but overall, the obituary/article was a heart warming read.

[Chas]

So much more to the man than just one 45. 

[Frankie Crocker]

There’s another in obituary of Dean in the Daily Telegraph dated Friday 16th July on page 25. Parts of it are similar to the Guardian version, but it reads more like a proper obituary, covering aspects of his life and career.

[washlively]

It was very sad to hear that news. I'm On My Way must have been in the first 20 northern singles I bought all those years ago. A must back then for the newbies like me and to eventually hear at Wigan in the TBE was just amazing. R.I.P 

[Pga1]

Seen loads of artists, but deans first night in the UK was the most instantly remembered, the moment the roof came off - all he said was L I V E, I looked at ' Trev wright'  and we both said Fxxcking hell, awesome, cheers