David Parry

Who was David Parry?

David Parry was a Canadian folk musician, storyteller, actor, stage director, and teacher. He was an important presence in the Canadian folk music scene from the mid-1970s up until his death in 1995. He worked both as a solo artist and as a member of the Friends of Fiddler's Green, a Toronto-based ceilidh band. He was married to writer and musician Caroline Balderston Parry. Their son Richard Reed Parry is a member of the rock band Arcade Fire and their daughter Evalyn Parry is a prominent spoken-word performer and musician.

Born in London, England, Parry received his formal training in theater, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in historical drama. He began his career as a stage actor in England during the early 1960s. He soon moved into directing plays as well and also began working as a semi-professional musician. During the 1960s and early 1970s he acted in and directed plays in England, Europe, India, and North America.

In the mid-'70s, Parry moved with his wife to Toronto, Canada where he began playing solo dates as a singer and storyteller. He soon became a fixture on Toronto's folk scene.