Early Life

Ray Erskine Parker, Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 1, 1954. He grew up in a family of musicians and had his first experience with music at the age of nine when he began playing the drums. As a teenager, he formed his own band called The Raydios and began performing at local clubs. His early influences included James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson.

Career Highlights

In the 1970s, Ray Parker, Jr. found success as a session musician for artists like Stevie Wonder and The Temptations. He also began writing songs for other artists like Barry White and Chaka Khan. In 1982, he had his biggest hit with the song 'Ghostbusters.' The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Ray Parker, Jr. has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross. He has also worked with artists like Run-DMC and Tone-Loc. In 1989, he released the album After Dark which featured collaborations with Janet Jackson and Kenny G.

Legacy

Ray Parker Jr.'s legacy as an artist is undeniable. His music has been featured in numerous films including 'Ghostbusters' and 'The Great Mouse Detective' as well as TV shows like 'The Simpsons' and 'Family Guy'. He has won several awards including a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1985 for 'The Other Woman'. He continues to tour around the world to this day.