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BIOGRAPHY
"I'm not a Christian artist, I'm a Catholic singer," says Dolores
Park, with as much earnest conviction as she packs into one of her
powerful vocal performances on her new self-produced CD, "Among the
Lucky Ones." That fine distinction may be blurry for some but in terms
of acceptance in the Christian music industry, opportunities with
Christian recording labels, and exposure on Christian radio, that
theological disparity is of the night and day variety. "I want to sing
songs about the Eucharist, and about Mary," explains Park, "and that's
the difference."
Apparently, those topics are taboo, in an entertainment industry that
prefers its sacred sentiments a bit more middle of the road. With rare
exception, contemporary Christian artists do not profess their
religious affiliations, be it Methodist, Protestant, Baptist or any of
the other Christian denominations. And, according to Park, especially
if they are Catholic. "The most consistent advice I've had so far is,
'if you want to make it in the Christian music business, and if you
want to be played on Christian radio, don't tell them you're
Catholic.' But I do want that to be a part of who I am. It is all of
who I am."
Park is not just being difficult. She simply believes wholeheartedly
in Catholicism, and refuses to compromise artistically where her faith
is concerned. Instead of fitting her music into a more commercially
viable mold, Park wants to create her own niche, and hopes to persuade
other Catholic musical artists to come out of hiding in the process.
She and her manager husband, John Park, have taken the first step on a
decidedly uphill climb, by establishing their own independent record
label, St. Michael Music. They hope their personal pioneering efforts
will eventually figure into a bigger picture that will include major
Catholic record labels, Catholic music stores, and Catholic music
radio. When asked if there's a market for her music, Park replies with
aplomb. "Yeah, about a billion Catholics worldwide!"
But currently Park, her husband, and their two sons, John Jr. and
Joseph, live in Tennessee, where Catholics comprise a small minority
of the population. That factor may contribute as much as anything to
Park's frustration with, and lack of acceptance in, the Christian
music business. Music City may seem like an odd choice then for a home
base, though it's really the latest chapter in a story that began two
decades ago.
That's when Park's
professional singing career got started. As a 16 year-old girl in
Golden Grove, California, Park rode her bicycle to church to sing as a
soloist for weddings, funerals, and other religious occasions. She was
also performing regularly in local dinner theaters.
Her first big break came two years later, while singing at a benefit
concert in Palm Springs, California. Bob Hope was in the audience and
was so taken by the young girl's vocal talents and charisma that he
invited her to sing on his upcoming Christmas special. That
performance turned into a four-year stint of opening for Hope around
the world.
Along the way, Park would open shows for other celebrities, including
country music legend Tennessee Ernie Ford and comedienne Phyllis
Diller. Park also enjoys the rare distinction of having sung for two
U.S. presidents: Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. But according to
Park, none of these prestigious personalities were getting the real
Dolores Park. While she fronted orchestras, belting out pop standards,
Broadway tunes, and tributes to singers like Judy Garland, Park was
busy writing and recording her own songs. Her number one goal was to
have a hit on the country music charts.
That desire, and the prospect of working with Hank Williams, Jr.'s
manager lured Park to Nashville six years ago. Park was at the point
of negotiating recording deals with two major labels when she had a
sudden, and complete, change of heart. She decided to apply her
singing talents to religious music.
For Park, there was a defining moment that caused her to veer off the
road she had taken, just as she was on the verge of a full-blown
country music career. Her best friend's 16-year-old son was killed
while playing with a loaded gun. Suddenly, Park's driving desire to
score a country hit seemed superficial and unsatisfying.
"I was tired of striving for
something that wasn't important in life anymore," says Park. Thoughts
of her own sons convinced Park that religious music was the legacy she
wanted to leave behind.
A devout Catholic himself, Park's husband was thrilled at her decision
and eagerly signed on as her manager and most avid supporter. Park
relishes her husband's professional participation in her career.
"Having someone in my corner who believes in me and believes in my
mission is the best thing that has ever happened to me." John is not
the only family member to get in on the action. Joseph and John Jr.
have occasionally shared the stage and microphone with mom.
Since shifting gears to Catholic music just one year ago, Park's
career has already jumped into overdrive. She was asked to sing last
Christmas at St. Henry, and was surprised to find out that the
president of Mother Angelica's Eternal Word Television Network was in
attendance. A month later, that unexpected exposure landed her a spot
on the network, which she has since parlayed into a series of
performances. The worldwide reach of EWTN has garnered Park fans, and
orders for her CD, from as far away as the Philippines.
Things seem to be right on track for Park's career. Bit is Park and
St. Michael Music's artistic vision still ahead of its time? Maybe
not. After all, ten years ago there was no Catholic television network
with the global appeal and audience of EWTN. "There is a vehicle for
my music now," says Park. "Maybe it wasn't me that wasn't ready. Maybe
the Lord was just holding off until everything was in place!"
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