Corey Parks is a bassist who gained fame with Nashville Pussy in the 1990s. She earned a Grammy nomination, toured with Iron Maiden and Marilyn Manson, and later became a fashion designer. She founded Chelsea Girls and launched Stand and Deliver clothing line.
When you think about bassists who changed rock music, Corey Parks stands out. She picked up a bass at 22 and went on to earn a Grammy nomination with Nashville Pussy. But her story goes beyond music. This six-foot-three artist has built careers in modeling, fashion design, and performance that few can match.
From touring 316 shows in one year to designing clothes for Rihanna, Parks has never taken the safe path. She is the sister of former NBA player Cherokee Parks and has worked with legends like Lemmy Kilmister. This article covers her music career, fashion ventures, and lasting impact on rock culture.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Corey Parks grew up in Anaheim, California, behind what locals call the Orange Curtain. Height runs in her family. Her brother Cherokee Parks played professional basketball in the NBA.
Parks started as a model in Los Angeles with It Models/Omars Men. This agency became known for producing the “anti-model” look before heroin chic became mainstream. She didn’t pick up a bass until age 22, which is late by most standards.
Forming Nashville Pussy
In 1997, Parks helped form Nashville Pussy after guitarist Blaine Cartwright left his previous band, Nine Pound Hammer. The band’s name came from Ted Nugent’s introduction to “Wang Dang Sweet Poontang” on his Double Live Gonzo album.
The lineup included Cartwright on vocals and rhythm guitar, Ruyter Suys on lead guitar, and Adam Neal on drums. Parks became the original bassist. Their sound mixed punk rock, Southern metal, and boogie rock with lyrics about sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Nashville Pussy and Rising Fame
Nashville Pussy exploded onto the scene in the late 1990s. The band played 316 shows in their first year. That’s nearly every single day.
Grammy Nomination and Major Tours
The band earned a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for their song “Fried Chicken and Coffee.” This recognition put them on the map alongside established acts.
Parks and Nashville Pussy opened for major artists including:
- Marilyn Manson
- Iron Maiden
- Queens of the Stone Age
Music publications took notice. Revolver magazine voted Parks as one of the hottest women in rock alongside Joan Jett and Lita Ford. Rolling Stone, SPIN, Details, Alternative Press, MOJO, Kerrang, and Rock Pile all featured her work.
Music in Media
Nashville Pussy’s music reached beyond live shows. Their songs appeared in:
- Video games: “Come On, Come On” and “Hate & Whisky” in Jackass: The Game
- Films: “Shoot First and Run Like Hell” and “Wrong Side of a Gun” in Super Troopers
- Television: “DRIVE” in The Sopranos episode “Watching Too Much Television”
- HBO’s Entourage: “Hell Ain’t What It Used to Be”
Leaving Nashville Pussy
Parks left Nashville Pussy in 2000, one month after they released “High as Hell.” Her departure came after intense touring schedules and personal reasons.
MTV reported the split in September 2000. Parks addressed rumors that she might join Hole after Melissa Auf Der Maur left. She confirmed she had been courted but declined the opportunity.
Tracy Almazon replaced Parks and continued with the band through their next phase.
The Die Hunns and Personal Life
After Nashville Pussy, Parks joined Die Hunns, featuring Duane Peters of U.S. Bombs and Gunfight fame. She met Peters two weeks after leaving her previous band.
Parks married Peters and they had a child together. She later married Rob Castle, former frontman of the Black Bullets, in September 2013.
Chelsea Girls: All-Star Supergroup
Parks created the Chelsea Girls concept around 2009. She hand-selected members, created the logo, and designed all merchandise while sewing in her studio.
Band Lineup and Concept
The Chelsea Girls became the first all-female all-star cover band. The lineup included:
- Corey Parks: Bass
- Allison Robertson: Guitar (The Donnas)
- Samantha Maloney: Drums (Hole, Mötley Crüe)
- Tuesdae: Vocals (former Playboy model and DJ)
The band’s name referenced an Andy Warhol film. They covered anthems from AC/DC, Judas Priest, Blondie, and Madonna.
Roxy Residency and Special Guests
Chelsea Girls landed a one-year residency at The Roxy on the Sunset Strip. Carmen Electra became their unofficial fifth member, introducing the band and dancing at every show.
Notable guest performers included:
- Lemmy (Motörhead)
- Billy Duffy (The Cult)
- Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses)
- Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot)
- Dave Navarro
- Macy Gray
The band went on hiatus in 2010 when members focused on other projects. Robertson returned to The Donnas for a new album.
Fashion Design Career
Parks transitioned into fashion design while still playing music. She founded Stand and Deliver, a rock and roll couture line that merged her musical background with her fashion sense.
Stand and Deliver Collection
The clothing line featured:
- Extra-long pants with a shrunk jacket aesthetic
- Top-quality leather and lambskin
- Heavy 11-ounce denim with four-way stretch
- Hand-dyed and streaked denim
- Hand-sprayed metallic gold and gunmetal silver leather
- Heavy zippers and floor-length leather fringe
Parks described the aesthetic as if “Stevie Nicks and the Road Warrior had a love child on the designing floor of Balmain.”
Celebrity Clients
Parks designed costumes and tour clothing for major artists:
- Rihanna: Created the costume for her VMA performance of “Disturbia”
- Marilyn Manson
- Ciara
- Keri Hilson
The line was carried at high-end boutiques including:
- Maxfield in Los Angeles (for 10 years)
- Henry Bendel NYC
- Colette Paris
- Harvey Nichols Hong Kong
Her work combined avant-garde elements with wearable designs. Parks said her influences included David Bowie’s theatrical style.
Fashion Industry Recognition
Parks worked as a model before picking up the bass. That early experience informed her design aesthetic. She understood how clothes should move on stage and photographs.
She created the White Widow line after Chelsea Girls. The all-leather rock and roll collection continued her signature tight, edgy style.
Mentorship and Industry Connections
Parks built relationships with rock legends throughout her career. Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead became a mentor and close friend. These connections shaped her approach to both music and business.
When she put together a one-time band for a MusicCares benefit, the lineup included:
- Lemmy
- Ace Frehley (KISS)
- Matt Sorum
- Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Wayne Kramer (MC5)
- Allison Robertson (The Donnas)
- Slash on lead guitar
Parks lived by the motto “Go big, or go home.” This all-star lineup proved she meant it.
Professional Skills and Versatility
Parks developed multiple skill sets across industries. Her LinkedIn profile shows expertise in:
Music: Bassist, creative director, music coordinator Fashion: Designer, production manager, sales representative Production: Sourcing materials, quality control, inventory management Business: Purchase orders, invoicing, vendor relationships
She designed 13 looks for a reality show appearance, dressed models on camera, and produced runway shows. For Moët/Hennessy, she created Tron-themed uniforms with LED lights for bottle service staff across the United States.
Legacy and Impact
Corey Parks proved that musicians can succeed in multiple creative fields. She never stayed in one lane.
Her contributions to rock music came during the 1990s when few women played bass in hard rock bands. She held her own on stage with some of the loudest, most intense acts of that era.
In fashion, she brought rock aesthetic to high-end design. Her clothes appeared in top boutiques worldwide and on major celebrities.
Parks showed that picking up an instrument at 22 doesn’t mean starting too late. Her first band earned a Grammy nomination. That’s rare in any genre.
Current Work and Projects
Parks continues working in both music and fashion. Her Instagram shows ongoing creative projects under the handle @corey_parks, where she has over 23,000 followers.
She maintains her fashion work through custom pieces for clients and stylists. Her design philosophy centers on making clothes that work for performers and look good in photographs.
FAQs
What band was Corey Parks in?
Corey Parks was the original bassist for Nashville Pussy from 1997 to 2000. She later played with Die Hunns and founded Chelsea Girls.
Did Corey Parks get a Grammy nomination?
Yes, Parks received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance with Nashville Pussy for their song “Fried Chicken and Coffee.”
What is Stand and Deliver?
Stand and Deliver is Corey Parks’ rock and roll fashion line. She designed leather and denim pieces carried at Maxfield and other boutiques.
Who is Corey Parks married to?
Parks married Rob Castle, former Black Bullets frontman, in September 2013. She was previously married to Duane Peters of Die Hunns.
What celebrities has Corey Parks designed for?
Parks designed for Rihanna, Marilyn Manson, Ciara, and Keri Hilson. She created Rihanna’s VMA costume for her “Disturbia” performance.
Conclusion
Corey Parks built a career that spans music, fashion, and entrepreneurship. She went from picking up a bass at 22 to playing sold-out venues worldwide. Her Grammy nomination with Nashville Pussy put her among rock’s elite bassists.
But Parks never stopped at music alone. She launched a successful fashion line, designed for major celebrities, and created opportunities for other female musicians through Chelsea Girls. Her work proves that creativity doesn’t fit in boxes.
Whether on stage with Lemmy or in the design studio creating leather pieces, Parks brings the same intensity. She remains active in both industries and continues influencing new generations of musicians and designers who refuse to choose just one path.
