Celebrated North Carolina saxophonist Maceo Parker is receiving the North Carolina Heritage Award, which recognizes the state's premiere folk artists.
The 73-year-old Parker is one of the most widely known saxophonists of the past fifty years. He's played with Beyonce, Prince, James Brown, and still calls North Carolina home.
Parker attended North Carolina A&T in the 1960's, just before he was scooped up to join soul and funk legend James Brown on tour. He played on some of Brown's iconic hits including “Cold Sweat” and “Papa's Got A Brand New Bag.”
Parker also performed with George Clinton's Parliament and Funkadelic in the 1970's. In more recent years he's been recording and touring as a solo artist, practicing over an hour everyday to avoid getting rusty.
The News and Observer reports that the North Carolina Arts Council will give the award on Wednesday. Former recipients range from obscure musicians to those that are internationally known.