Obadiah Parker

Obadiah Parker is the stage name of American singer-songwriter Mat Weddle, who is known for his acoustic covers of popular songs from a variety of genres. For over 20 years he has brought his unique style of cover tunes, original songs and storytelling to audiences across the world. He has performed in theaters, festivals, concert halls, conference centers, churches, bars, restaurants, living rooms, back yards, prisons, and campfires.

One of Weddle’s most famous covers is his version of Outkast’s “Hey Ya!”, which he recorded in 2006 and gained widespread attention on YouTube. Weddle’s cover transforms the upbeat pop song into a soulful ballad, with his haunting vocals and melancholic guitar work conveying the heartache and longing in the lyrics. Reaching number 1 on iTunes Singer-Songwriter Chart for multiple countries, the song has since been featured on The Joe Rogan Experience, The Howard Stern Show, and was an answer to a question on Jeopardy!.

Weddle’s musical style draws from a range of influences, including folk, soul, rock, and blues. His covers often feature unique interpretations of familiar songs, using his distinctive, soulful voice and intricate guitar playing to bring out new layers of meaning and emotion in the lyrics. Overall, Obadiah Parker’s music is marked by its raw authenticity and heartfelt expression, making his covers and original songs beloved by fans of all genres.