Parlan was born in Pittsburgh and suffered from polio as a child, partially crippling his right hand. Despite this disability he developed a distinctive playing style, with a frenetic right-hand in contrast to striking left hand chords. He spent two years with Mingus Jazz Workshop and played on “Mingus Ah Um” and “Blues & Roots.” Parlan recorded several albums as a leader for Blue Note, such as the afro-cuban bop of  “Headin’ South” which featured Ray Barreto. Later he moved to Denmark and explored gospel music, especially with his duo series with Archie Shepp.