Parker Hastings

“When I first witnessed Parker Hastings in a performance setting I was a struck immediately by his presence, composure, and skill. There was nothing to get in the way of the music flowing out of him directly to the hearts of his audience. To see this in such a young player is rare, and I knew then that he had a great career ahead and so many were going to be sharing his abundant gifts in the future. He is a true guitar artist!” - John Jorgenson - The Hellicasters, Elton John, Desert Rose Band

About Parker

Parker Hastings is a 22 year-old fingerstyle guitarist/singer/songwriter from Central Kentucky where there is a deep heritage of country, folk, and bluegrass music. He began learning the guitar at age 6, playing the music he enjoyed listening to on the radio. His whole mindset of playing guitar changed when he went to his first Tommy Emmanuel concert when he was just 8 years old. He is very active in promoting thumbpicking and fingerstyle guitar, incorporating the traditional sounds into his music. Parker is continuing to grow as a musician, singer, and songwriter, making a "thumbprint" with his original music. He has had many opportunities to share his music with audiences in venues around the country, opened for other artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Douglas, Ben Rector, Loren Barrigar & Mark Mazengarb, and more. He has also collaborated with some of the best musicians in Nashville at shows like the Jerry Reed Tribute and Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention. His style ranges anywhere from Glenn Miller to James Taylor, Chet Atkins to Earth Wind & Fire, his own original music, and much more! He enjoys bringing a fresh sound to old classics, making them new again. He has won numerous guitar contests, one of them being the International Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Competition, as well as the Wayne Henderson Festival Competition in June of 2018. He is an alumni of Belmont University in Nashville, TN, calling Nashville his home base. Parker has a new album set to release in July 2023 called “Kentucky Sunshine” and has singles from the album out now!

Awards and Accomplishments:

2023 Artist in Residence, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

2018 "Thumbpicker of the Year" by National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame

2018 1st Place Winner at the Wayne Henderson Festival and Competition

2017 Recording of the Year for "Breezin' Through Life" by National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame

2017 1st Place Winner Renfro Valley Talent Contest

2016 Recording of the Year for "Whimsical Smiles" by National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame

2015 "Thumbpicker of the Year" by National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame

2014 Grand Champion in Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Contest

2014 Horizon Award Winner by National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame