Note: Unsung is a music biography series on TV One that tells the story of some of music's forgotten artist who are, “Uncompromised, unrecognized, unparalleled, unsung.”
In its fourth season, the show airs Mondays nights at 7 p.m. PST. Artists previously featured include DeBarge,
Big Daddy Kane, Minnie Riperton, Teddy Pendergrass, Donny Hathaway and The
O’Jays.
Following is a recap
of Unsung: The Story of Ray Parker, Jr.
There’s more to know about musician Ray Parker, Jr. other than he was behind the mega 1984 hit Ghostbusters.
Much, much more.
Born Ray Erskine Parker, Jr. on May 1, 1954, he was reared in
Detroit
Just 10 years old when he formed The Stingrays, Parker initially
played the clarinet, but would eventually master the guitar after a bike accident left his broken leg in a cast at age 11.
Not able to do much else but practice the musical instrument
that would ultimately bring him success in the music industry, Parker practiced
“. . . all day, everyday, for like a year, year and a half. And the more I
practiced, the more I wanted to practice until my dad would get upset and put
the amp on the porch,” he said.
At age 13 he was jamming at the famed 20 Grand nightclub in Detroit
Parker didn’t last long in college; in 1972, he was offered
an opportunity to join Stevie Wonder’s band on the road. While he was thrilled,
Parker’s father was not. Still, Parker toured with the Rolling Stones and
appeared on Wonder’s classic LP Talking
Book.
Childhood friend Nate Watts said, “Ray went through Stevie’s
Wonder's school of music, and he'll tell you in a minute he took a lot, learned
a lot.”
Parker left Wonder Love after several months, journeying to Los Angeles where the knowledge he gained helped land him job with singer Barry
White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra.
More than a guitarist, Parker was also a gifted song writer.
As a novice in the business, he unfortunately did not receive writing
credits on Leo Sayer’s hit song You Make Me Feel Like Dancing. The song won a Grammy award (Best R&B Song) in 1978.
“One of the darkest moments in my life. For a second I
thought about suicide. For five seconds, I thought about going to Detroit
Receiving a recording deal from Clive Davis, who at the time
was founder and head of Arista Records, Parker created Raydio, a four-person
band consisting of two singers (Arnell Carmichael and Jerry Knight), a
keyboardist (Vincent Bonham) and himself.
Their first single, Jack & Jill, headed straight to the top of both the R&B and pop chart in 1978. The
self-titled album would go on to achieve gold status.
Difference of opinion regarding money initiated the replacement
of some original band members, but that didn’t stop the group’s second album, Rock On, from also obtaining gold while
crossing over onto the pop charts once again.
The lead single, You Can’t Change That,
was originally written for The Spinners, and finally showcased Parker’s vocal ability.
While not confident in his singing, Parker said, “My vocal
chords just had not been exercised, and it just didn't sound right. So it's not
having insecurity in my singing as much as I knew I couldn't sing.”
Eventually, he would shed his insecurities and release a
solo effort – The Other Woman – which, you guessed it, went gold.
All told, Parker recorded six back-to-back gold records.
By the time the mid-80s and Ghostbusters rolled around, Parker was an established guitarist,
song writer, producer and singer.
Wildly successful in the United States
Parker’s time in the spotlight began to wane after switching
from Arista to Geffen Records. Releasing only one album on Geffen, it failed to
crack the top 50. He eventually settled down and married at age 40.
Today, Parker has four sons and has the luxury of working
not because he has to, but because you wants to.
Interesting tidbits:
Parker wrote and co-produced New Edition’s smash Mr. Telephone Man. “I was surprised when it became a hit.
You know what? I was surprised when we finished cutting it. It sounded pretty
good. I was like, 'Why didn't I cut this song?’ ” he said.
Parker’s was the session guitarist on Cheryl Lynn’s Got To Be Real.
Because of the cross-over success of Raydio, Clive Davis had
an easier time marketing records to both R&B and pop audiences, paving the
way for future Davis-backed stars such as Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and
Usher.
Catch Unsung: The Story of Sheila E. Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. PST.
