Ray Parker Jr.: How Family Comes First in the Life of a Ghostbusters Genius

Ray Parker Jr.'s journey through the music world is a tale of relentless creativity and talent that saw him rise from the vibrant music scene of Detroit to international stardom.
In the late 1960s, Parker first made his mark as a member of Bohannon's house band at the iconic 20 Grand nightclub, a hub for Motown's finest talents. His extraordinary guitar skills quickly caught the attention of The Spinners, who brought him on tour, setting the stage for a remarkable career. By the tender age of 16, Parker had already co-written and recorded his first songs with none other than Marvin Gaye, a collaboration that hinted at the greatness to come.
As a teenager, Parker's distinctive "choppy" guitar style became a staple of the emerging sound of Holland-Dozier-Holland's Invictus/Hot Wax label. His work was notably featured on Honey Cone's chart-topping hit "Want Ads," signaling his arrival as a formidable studio musician.
Parker's talent soon found a broader audience when Stevie Wonder invited him to play guitar on the seminal 1972 album Talking Book. This collaboration, especially on the track "Maybe Your Baby," not only showcased Parker's versatility but also led him to relocate to Los Angeles, where his career flourished. As Wonder's lead guitarist on the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour, Parker further cemented his reputation, contributing to the groundbreaking Innervisions album in 1973.
In the mid-1970s, Parker became an integral part of Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra, lending his guitar prowess to the lush, romantic soundscapes that defined White's music. His versatility was further demonstrated through collaborations with a host of other legendary artists, including Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. With Rufus, Parker co-wrote the hit single "You Got the Love," which topped the R&B charts and became a crossover success.
Parker's career took a major turn in 1977 when he formed the band Raydio. Their debut single "Jack and Jill" became a Top 10 hit, followed by "You Can't Change That," both of which solidified Raydio's place in the pop and R&B landscapes. As Raydio evolved into Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio, the group continued to produce hits, with "A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)" reaching No. 1 on the R&B charts in 1981.
After Raydio disbanded, Parker's solo career soared to new heights, particularly with the release of the iconic "Ghostbusters" theme in 1984. The song not only dominated the charts but also earned Parker a Grammy Award and an Academy Award nomination, forever linking his name to the cultural phenomenon of the film.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Parker continued to write, produce, and perform, working with an array of artists from Cheryl Lynn to New Edition, while also releasing solo albums that kept him in the public eye. Even into the 2000s and beyond, Parker remained active in the music industry, showcasing his enduring talent and adaptability.