Background

Charles Parker (1919 to 1980) was a BBC documentary radio producer, and a writer, singer, actor and founder member of the theatre company Banner Theatre. In 1954, he moved to Birmingham as a radio features producer, and was employed full-time by the BBC until 1972. He was passionate about the cultural importance of the oral tradition and folk song and devoted much of his life to activities through which he could demonstrate their significance and continued relevance.