Who Is Parnelli?

Rick "Parnelli" O'Brien
Rick O'Brien earned the nickname “Parnelli” for his infamous truck driving abilities (as in the race car driver Parnelli Jones), but also for his winning talent as a production and tour manager. Yes, he was a friend, respected colleague and admired professional (he worked with Queen, among many other top acts). But he was also much more than “a guy who got the gig done.” He was a great humanitarian who touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to come in contact with him. His professionalism and talent, his sense of humor and sense of fair play set the bar for all of us.

Rick passed away from cancer, leaving three small children. But he lives on and continues to inspire us all through this award.