At just 18, Greeley native Parker Gentry is chasing big dreams with a guitar in hand and a sound that turns heads. These days, you’ll find him deep in the heart of Nashville—writing, performing, and pouring everything he has into his music. But his story started right here in Northern Colorado, long before the bright lights and studio sessions.
The moment Parker knew music was more than just a passion came on a small stage in September of 2023. “I was scared out of my mind,” he admits, thinking back on that first live performance. “But the second I started playing, everything clicked. It was the most fun I’d ever had.” That single experience—equal parts nerves and adrenaline—flipped the switch. From that point on, music wasn’t just something he enjoyed. It was what he was meant to do.
The leap to Nashville came not long after. And while Parker knew he’d be surrounded by talent, he didn’t expect just how much it would push him. “Every writer, every player—there’s so much talent here, and it’s inspiring. It makes you want to get better every single day.” That drive has already paid off. Songwriting, once a casual pastime with friends back in Greeley, has grown into something more focused and intentional. His lyrics now reflect lived experience—real stories drawn from home and heartache, family and faith.
And even with new opportunities unfolding, Parker stays grounded by the values Greeley instilled in him. “It’s a place full of hardworking people who don’t take shortcuts,” he says. That mindset has followed him to Tennessee, where long hours and quiet persistence are the name of the game. He credits his parents and hometown support system for giving him the confidence to go after something most wouldn’t dare. “They believed in me from the beginning—when this dream was just an idea.”
Right now, Parker is gearing up to release a single—no set date yet, but the excitement is building. He’s also booking as many shows as possible, especially in Colorado, where he loves performing for the people who knew him before the spotlight. And while “making it” could someday mean chart-topping hits or sold-out arenas, Parker has a different definition. For him, it’s about waking up every day and getting to do what he loves. If his music connects with people and he can keep going, that’s success in his book.
Asked what advice he’d give to his younger self—the kid just starting out—Parker doesn’t hesitate. “Keep trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense. There are going to be setbacks, but they’re part of the journey. Stay true to who you are, keep your faith strong, and don’t be afraid to dream big.”
Dream big, he has—and from the looks of it, he’s only getting started.