Graham Parker is a British singer-songwriter who emerged in the mid-1970s as part of the pub rock scene. Parker's music is characterized by his soulful, raspy voice and his marriage of rock and roll with rhythm and blues, a fusion that became a defining characteristic of the new wave genre. He gained prominence with the backing band, The Rumour, with whom he recorded a number of influential albums, including "Squeezing Out Sparks," which is often cited as his most critically acclaimed work. Despite never achieving major commercial success, Parker's music has been recognized for its lyrical sophistication and its influence on the punk and new wave movements.