Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio

Biography

Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio emerged from Detroit's vibrant music scene in the late 1970s, led by the multi-talented Ray Parker Jr., who was already an accomplished session guitarist and songwriter by his early twenties. Parker, born in 1954, was inspired by his elementary school music teacher and honed his craft in Detroit's clubs, working with Motown legends and recording with artists like Marvin Gaye and the Spinners as a teenager. In 1977, he formed Raydio with Vincent Bonham, Jerry Knight, and Arnell Carmichael, quickly achieving commercial success with the hit single 'Jack and Jill,' followed by 'You Can't Change That,' both of which became Top 10 pop and R&B hits.

As the group evolved into Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio in 1980, they continued their streak with albums like 'Two Places at the Same Time' and 'A Woman Needs Love,' the latter producing a No. 1 R&B hit. Raydio's sound blended funk, R&B, and pop, characterized by catchy hooks, smooth harmonies, and Parker's distinctive guitar work. After the group disbanded in 1981, Parker launched a highly successful solo career, most notably writing and performing the iconic 'Ghostbusters' theme, which topped charts worldwide and won him a Grammy Award. Parker's legacy is marked by his versatility as a musician, songwriter, and producer, influencing the sound of late 20th-century R&B and pop.

Fun Facts

• Ray Parker Jr. was only 16 when he began recording and co-writing songs with Marvin Gaye.
• He claims to have written the melody for Leo Sayer's hit 'You Make Me Feel Like Dancing,' but was not credited.
• Parker initially thought Stevie Wonder's invitation to tour was a prank call and hung up before being convinced it was real.
• The 'Ghostbusters' theme song earned Parker both a Grammy Award and an Academy Award nomination.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Alfred T. Kirby - elementary school music teacher who inspired Parker to pursue music (early clarinet instruction) [early 1960s]
• Stevie Wonder - mentor and early employer; Parker toured and recorded with Wonder as a teenager (touring band, session work) [early 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Vincent Bonham - original member of Raydio (Raydio albums and singles) [1977–1981]
• Jerry Knight - original member of Raydio (Raydio albums and singles) [1977–1981]
• Arnell Carmichael - original member of Raydio (Raydio albums and singles) [1977–1981]
• Barry White - guitarist in Love Unlimited Orchestra (Love Unlimited Orchestra recordings) [mid-1970s]
• Chaka Khan / Rufus - co-wrote and played on 'You Got the Love' (Rufus featuring Chaka Khan – 'You Got the Love') [1974]
• Aretha Franklin - session guitarist (studio recordings) [mid-1970s]
• Herbie Hancock - session guitarist (studio recordings) [mid-1970s]

Artists Influenced

• New Edition - Parker produced and wrote for them, influencing their sound (production and songwriting) [1980s]
• Contemporary R&B and pop artists - Parker's songwriting, guitar style, and production influenced later R&B and pop acts (numerous covers and stylistic references) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Ghostbusters
2. Ghostbusters
3. Ghostbusters
4. The Past (After Dark)
5. Ghostbusters
6. A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) (A Woman Needs Love (Expanded Edition))
7. Ghostbusters
8. Ghostbusters - Instrumental Version
9. A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)
10. Ghostbusters

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia