Michael V. McClain a.k.a Mike Parker (M.V.P) began playing drums at an early age. His mother had always recognized his desire to play drums and vividly remembers the times when he would wake up the entire house every Saturday morning by playing pots and pans or tearing her couch up with drumsticks. It was that point when she decided to make a wise investment in the beginning of his talented drumming career by purchasing his first set of drums. For years, Michael would visit the local high school to watch his cousins play drums in the band. On Sundays, nothing would provide more interest than watching his friends and family members play drums during church services. The desire and love for playing drums increased everyday. His uncle, Big O, would specially bring him to church during the weekdays so that he could practice, and further improve, his God-given talent and gift. This was only the beginning. As time moved onward, Michael graduated from the Long Island High School of Performing Arts and attended the University of Hartford ‘s Hartt School of Music, under the amazing instruction of the late Professor Jackie McLean. Michael has also had the honor of sitting under the teaching and direction of the late Reverend Timothy Wright, who taught him the true meaning of “the 1 and the 2”.

Michael’s musical gift has given him the honor of playing for several musical and gospel greats as the late Ray Charles, Dorothy Norwood, the late Ron Winans, Beverly Crawford, Jeff Roberson and L.I.F.E., Donell Hubbard and Company and Reverend William A. Watson and Vision to Victory Choir. According to him, drumming is not just a passion for him but a priceless gift. Michael is currently the lead percussionist at the Bethel A.M.E Church in Freeport, NY and continues to use his gift and talent for the enhancement of God’s kingdom.