Parker McCollum performing at the Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, Texas on July 1, 2022, with Jason Newberry, Beau Johnson, Parker McCollum, Brady Beal, and Charlie Magnone. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Parker McCollum won't be pigeonholed, and that's by design, the Texas native is all about paving his own road. He spent his summers working on a cattle ranch for his blue-collar grandfather, who also introduced him to country music.
Hearing George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning" for the first time, McCollum was struck. "That is still, to this day, one of my favorite songs, favorite melodies of all time," he told Billboard in 2020. By 13, McCollum began writing songs; by 16, he began playing clubs. For inspiration, he turned to Texas troubadours like Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Guy Clark, and James McMurtry, lyrical writers who built rich worlds and characters in the confines of a single song.
After graduating from high school, McCollum headed to Austin, Texas, the self-proclaimed "Music Capital of the World." A stint in college didn't last, McCollum spent more time in class writing songs than paying attention. Dropping out, he made a promise to his father: One day, I'll sign a major record deal.
McCollum worked the red dirt circuit for years, playing empty bars that slowly began filling up. He released his first full-length album, The Limestone Kid, on his own label in 2015. McCollum wrote nine of the 11 tracks himself. The Austin Chronicle said, "It's too early to declare The Limestone Kid debut of the year, but it's already one to beat." His follow-up, the self-released Probably Wrong: Session One, was McCollum's first to hit the Billboard charts. Then, after five years of full-time touring, McCollum made good on his promise, signing with Universal Music Group.
"Pretty Heart," his first single with UMG, went straight to the top of the country charts. It appears on his album, Gold Chain Cowboy, the title reflecting McCollum's desire for success, a man that's earned enough to wear a gold chain, with the down-home appeal of living as a simple cowboy, just like his grandfather. Chances are, Parker McCollum will have a little of both. After winning New Male Artist of the Year at the 2022 American Country Music Awards, an exciting future awaits.
I saw Parker and let me tell you, that concert was well worth the wait! His show was everything and more than what I had expected! I also won meet and greet passes through a radio station here and he was such a genuine guy! I would definitely see him 100 times over!Setlist for the show at the Whitewater Amphitheater
They played with no fancy backdrop or fireworks. It was fantastic and the sold out crowd sang to every song. His voice was what you would expect from hearing his music on line. Great songs with interesting lyrics that are always very pleasing to hear.
Parker McCollum was great along with his band. I went with my daughters and can see why he is a favorite. I loved the new songs he played and looking forward to his new material coming out.
Would totally recommend! Such an amazing performer and concert I would suggest you to go to any Parker McCollum concert don’t even think about it just buy the tickets!
This was my second time seeing Parker and he just keeps getting better and better in concert. He engaged with the crowd, and threw a bunch of guitar pics (two of which I caught). Got there as soon as gates opened and stood in the front for four hours so we wouldn’t lose our spot for when he came out. Love the guy. He’s got so much talent. Definitely recommend seeing him in concert!
Love Parker! He is a great entertainer. He has a very unique voice. He cares about his fans and it shows. He is humble and always asks for support for fellow entertainers that play with him. He is polite, respectable and kind. (Hard to find these days) I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.
- Young Man's Blues
- Wait Outside
- Stoned
- To Be Loved by You
- Meet You in the Middle
- Dallas
- Falling Apart
- Like a Cowboy
- Blanco County Rain
- Drinkin'
- Love You Like That
- Hell of a Year
- Why Indiana
- Pretty Heart
- I Can't Breathe
- Happy New Year
Parker McCollum was the main act at the Whitewater Amphitheater with guests Catie Offerman. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on October 29, 2022.
Parker McCollum
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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