Growing up in the Bay Area of California before settling down in Arizona in the 70s, Paradee spent many days and nights sharing fun, laughter, and experiences with her four siblings and parents. It was during those times that Paradee became best friends with her camera and soon became the family photographer.
Her love for music expanded as she was toting her camera alongside to every concert she attended. Snapping away show after show and using those images to reminisce about what a great time she had hearing her favorite songs and getting a smile from her favorite artists. “Those days were so much fun. I got to show my parents and all my sisters and brother the pictures and it always put a smile on their face to see the photos I took,” says Paradee. Year after year as Paradee would see the same artists come back to town, she carried an envelope of photos from the year before making sure the artist would get that envelope. Poof, all of sudden, Paradee was seeing her images printed in fan club newsletters and magazines.
In the 90’s, after Paradee had become a mainstay among all local venues within Arizona, she took a leap of faith and launched Thanks For The Music News – a 16-page print publication focusing on country music and highlights of the Arizona music scene. This endeavor scored Paradee the staff photographer position with KMLE Country radio, a job that ended up bringing things full-circle.
Today, Paradee lives in Gilbert, Arizona, with her husband, Sam, and their cocker spaniel, Taffy. Paradee loves to spend time in the outdoors, going to concerts, and enjoys volunteering at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Pediatrics.
Paradee remains an active member of the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, the Recording Academy (Grammy awards), the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Advisory Council and is a lifetime member of the International Freelance Photographers Organization.
To order copies of the book, go to www.thanksforthemusic.com/shop
