Listen to Ivan Parker's Brand New Single "Mama's Rocking Chair"

By Timothy Yap Jul 29, 2016 04:08 AM EDT

"Mama's Rocking Chair," the highly anticipated lead single from award-winning vocalist Ivan Parker's July 29 Difference Media debut, Dancing in the Rain, was recently serviced to Southern Gospel radio formats around the country.

Penned by Aaron Wilburn (Bill Gaither, B.J. Thomas) and Lee Black (The Oak Ridge Boys, Gordon Mote) and featuring Sandy Parker of The Hagees, "Mama's Rocking Chair" holds special meaning for the artist. "I was at home in North Carolina and my brother called me into the living room to point out the rocking chair my mom and dad bought when I was born," Parker recalls. "It was a beautiful thing to revisit my childhood like that and a completely God-ordained moment, as shortly thereafter I came across the song 'Mama's Rocking Chair.'"

Parker's 91-year-old mother is a veteran prayer warrior whose faithful petitions continue to influence her son's storied career. "Mom has a hallway in her house and walks it up and down on her walker every night before she goes to bed," he explains. "She walks and she prays. She says she feels like she touches heaven a lot better in that hallway."

Dancing in the Rain, Parker's Difference Media debut, was produced by Garry Jones (Brian Free, Canton Junction). Additional highlights of the 10-song set include the title cut; "Walk My Way" (feat. Canton Junction); "Let Me Take You To The Cross"; "That's What Love Does"; and "There's Healing."

Serving as lead vocalist for the iconic quartet Gold City from 1983-1993-where he recorded his signature #1 hit, "Midnight Cry"- Ivan Parker's acclaimed career spans more than 30 years. He has garnered 31 Singing News Fan Awards, highlighted by 12 Favorite Male Vocalist honors, while his #1 Southern Gospel radio singles include "Hit The Ground Running" and "I Choose." As a solo artist, Parker has released 16 recordings, five DVDs and has been featured in 32 best-selling Gaither Homecoming videos.

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The San Antonio-based label features some of the leading names in Gospel music including Canton Junction, Ricardo Sanchez, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees.