Rebecca King-Crews, the talented singer, songwriter, and devoted wife of actor Terry Crews, has always spoken warmly about her family background. Many fans are curious about Rebecca Crews parents and how their interracial marriage and unique lives shaped her into the strong, faith-driven woman she is today. Born in an era when love crossed color lines at great personal risk, Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, music, and unbreakable family bonds.
Let’s dive into the heartwarming yet poignant details of her early life.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Interracial Family Beginnings
Rebecca King-Crews was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1965, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She entered the world as the first child of an interracial couple—Samuel Dean King (her father) and Anna Mae Parks (her mother, later known as Anna King Lund after remarriage).
Their union on April 15, 1965, was bold and groundbreaking. At that time, interracial marriage remained illegal in several U.S. states, yet her parents chose love over fear. Raised primarily in Gary, Indiana, Rebecca grew up immersed in Black culture through her mother’s side, which later sparked conversations about identity when she married Terry Crews.
Her parents faced societal challenges but taught their children to “march to the drumbeat of God’s Voice,” blending faith, music, and determination. Rebecca has shared touching Instagram flashbacks honoring both parents, highlighting the struggles they overcame together.
Who Was Samuel Dean King? Rebecca’s Father
Samuel Dean King was a remarkable man—multi-talented, rebellious, and deeply principled. A musician who played six instruments (piano, guitar, tuba, accordion, drums, and trumpet), he worked as a chemist at US Steel while gigging on weekends. As the son of a pastor, he carried a strong sense of social justice and was involved with the Black Panthers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His friends affectionately called him their “Pink Panther” due to his mixed heritage (Scottish/Sherman and Native American descent).
Tragically, Samuel passed away on June 11, 1972, when Rebecca was just six years old. She has described her memories of him as “sketchy and faint,” but she clearly inherited his love for music and his ability to play by ear. On Father’s Day posts, Rebecca honors him lovingly, sharing old family photos and reflecting on how his spirit lives on in her passion for songwriting and performance.
Anna Mae Parks: Rebecca’s Strong Mother
Anna Mae Parks (now Anna King Lund) brought incredible strength and grace to the family. An African-American woman and trained opera-style singer, she worked in healthcare before becoming one of the first Black female salespersons at Equitable Financial Services after her husband’s death in 1972.
As a single mother, Anna raised Rebecca and her two younger siblings while instilling values of faith, hard work, and resilience. Rebecca often credits her mother’s example for shaping her own journey as a performer and advocate. Their home was filled with music, church, and love, even amid the challenges of being a biracial family in that era.
Siblings and Family Dynamics
Rebecca is the eldest of three children. Her younger siblings are:
- Elizabeth Jane
- Samuel Taylor
The family leaned on faith and each other after Samuel Dean King’s passing. Rebecca has also mentioned her uncle David, who stepped in as a father figure, and her grandparents Irvin and Harriett King on her father’s side. Growing up as latchkey kids at times, the siblings developed a close bond rooted in music and Christian values.
Here’s a quick overview table of key family information:
| Family Member | Relation to Rebecca | Key Details | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samuel Dean King | Father | Musician, chemist, social justice advocate | Passed away in 1972; played 6 instruments |
| Anna Mae Parks (King Lund) | Mother | Singer, healthcare & finance professional | Remarried; raised family with strong faith |
| Elizabeth Jane | Younger Sister | Part of the King siblings | Grew up in Indiana |
| Samuel Taylor | Younger Brother | Part of the King siblings | Shared musical family influences |
| Terry Crews | Husband | Married since 1989 | Actor; they share 5 children |
This table captures the core titles and roles that defined Rebecca’s upbringing.
How Her Parents Shaped Rebecca’s Life and Career
Rebecca’s parents profoundly influenced her path. Their love of music sparked her early start on piano at age 9 and songwriting by 11. She later became a music minister, met Terry Crews at church, and built a career as a singer-songwriter while raising five children (Naomi, Azriél, Tera, Wynfrey, and Isaiah).
Despite personal health challenges like Parkinson’s (diagnosed in 2015) and cancer, Rebecca draws strength from her roots—her father’s creativity and her mother’s resilience. She and Terry have been married since 1989, modeling the same enduring love her parents showed.
- Music as Legacy: Both parents were singers/musicians, and Rebecca carries that torch proudly.
- Faith and Values: Church was central, helping the family thrive through adversity.
- Identity and Courage: Being biracial in the 1960s-70s taught her to embrace her full heritage unapologetically.
Conclusion
The story of Rebecca Crews parents, Samuel Dean King and Anna Mae Parks, is a beautiful testament to love that defies odds, the power of music across generations, and the quiet strength of family. Though her father left this world too soon, his spirit and her mother’s unwavering support helped Rebecca become the inspiring woman, wife, mother, and artist she is today.
Their journey reminds us that roots—whether joyful or challenging—shape who we become. If you’re a fan of the Crews family or simply love stories of resilience, Rebecca’s background offers plenty of heart and hope.
Updated on April 7, 2026.
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