A native of Hillsboro, Kentucky, Dakota Ray Parker grew up exploring the mountains, playing in the creeks and living in a land "of true freedom." His parents scraped together enough money to buy a guitar for him in high school and, taking inspiration from local bluegrass players and his dad's love of southern gospel and 1990s country, he began writing songs. 

After gaining thousands of social media followers and nearly a million YouTube views on his debut single, "Rebel on the Run," Dakota Ray Parker is quickly rising through the Midwest folk and Americana ranks. 

With an Appalachian drawl and influences like Avett Brothers and Clem Snide, Dakota Ray Parker brings a blend of folk, alt-country and Americana that honors the local musicians and church tunes that raised him. There's an old soul in his voice, which carries both sadness for days passed and hope for a future of possibility.