The Parker Sisters
Singing trio the Parker Sisters - Pat, Marie & Eula began their singing career as young girls. Descended from generations of musical families, it was inevitable that these girls would be musically gifted. The nurturing of their talent by their parents Bert & Elaine (Lizzie) Parker (nee Herry) ensured that the girls attained the highest grades in Piano and a knowledge of musical structure. Bert, who worked as a law clerk, was a fine baritone singer and musician, and Lizzie a highly qualified piano teacher and pianist would have set the bar high for their three girls. The Parkers were deeply involved in their rural and city communities and often organised fundraising events which inevitably featured one or all of the girls. During the family annual holidays to Hepburn Springs they were recognised as the best entertainment at the guest house. As a result of this the Parker girls were well used to the stage when they commenced singing with Harry Jacobs’ band at the Palais Picture Theatre in St. Kilda in the late 1930s.
But the girls had their eyes set on bigger things (most probably with encouragement from their parents) and in August of 1939 Pat wrote on behalf of the trio to orchestra leader, Harry Bloom, requesting an audition. Their success at this audition led to a long national and international career. Their original style was strongly influenced by the Boswell Sisters but with guidance from their band leaders, they soon developed their own unique sound and arrangements of popular songs of the time. But they didn’t let their success with the ABC go to their heads – they maintained their day jobs as secretaries until they were certain of a regular income and continued contracts. With the ABC expecting formal wear for all broadcasts the girls set about making all their own clothes with limited wartime materials and there was no chauffeur driven cars - their transport to the studio was the local tram from Middle Park.
But the girls had their eyes set on bigger things (most probably with encouragement from their parents) and in August of 1939 Pat wrote on behalf of the trio to orchestra leader, Harry Bloom, requesting an audition. Their success at this audition led to a long national and international career. Their original style was strongly influenced by the Boswell Sisters but with guidance from their band leaders, they soon developed their own unique sound and arrangements of popular songs of the time. But they didn’t let their success with the ABC go to their heads – they maintained their day jobs as secretaries until they were certain of a regular income and continued contracts. With the ABC expecting formal wear for all broadcasts the girls set about making all their own clothes with limited wartime materials and there was no chauffeur driven cars - their transport to the studio was the local tram from Middle Park.
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During the war years they followed the family tradition and gave generously of their time to fundraising and charity events. They spent a lot of time at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital with the returned injured troops broadcasting with Bob Horsfall on 3UZ. They flew interstate in troop planes to entertain soldiers, sailors and airmen at camps and bases. And contributed to the war effort by recording the War Bond song for the government campaign. The U.S. troops didn’t miss out either and this now nationally famous trio stood proudly on the stage when U.S. comedian Joe. E. Brown visited the country in 1943 to entertain the Australian based U.S. troops.
The Parkers were associated with many radio stars of the era - Geoff Brooke, Peggy Brooks, Margot Sheridan,
The Parkers were associated with many radio stars of the era - Geoff Brooke, Peggy Brooks, Margot Sheridan,