Posted on 07/01/2022 9:24:19 PM PDT by nickcarraway
'Who You Gonna Call,' premiering on digital streaming platforms June 7, chronicles the life and career of the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter.
Ray Parker Jr., the legendary R&B artist/musician, is the subject of a new documentary. The film, “Who You Gonna Call”, about the life and career of the man best known for his smash 1984 hit “Ghostbusters,” will hit digital streaming platforms on June 7 via Sony Pictures, Variety reports.
While “Ghostbusters” was the pinnacle of Parker’s commercial success, he accomplished a great deal prior. Parker gave filmmaker Fran Strine full access to archives of his life, a life full of many milestones.
“When I interviewed Ray for my previous documentary ‘Hired Gun,’ I knew there was a bigger story to tell. From the moment I sat down with him, I was instantly hooked on telling his life’s story,” said Strine.
“When most people think of Ray Parker Jr., they think of “Ghostbusters.” Yes, he’s had great success with that song, but Ray is so much more than that. The list of legendary artists Ray has performed with and written for is staggering, and people don’t know this side of him. After learning more about him, I knew right away I needed to tell his story.”
Before launching a singer career, the Detroit native was a young, in-demand session guitarist in the 1960s and 1970s, playing for acts like Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Barry White, and even joining Stevie Wonder’s road band, Wonderlove.
Parker was also an accomplished songwriter and producer, composing songs like Rufus and Chaka Khan’s “You Got the Love” and writing and producing New Edition’s hit “Mr. Telephone Man.” He launched his artistic career, fronting the R&B outfit Raydio, earning hits like “Jack and Jill,” and “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do).”
“At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a musician. It was my dream. My life,” Parker said. “I did everything and anything I could to make that happen. I’d like to say that luck was very much on my side, but I think dedication and determination to make my dreams come true played a larger part.”
Parker hopes the film will inspire aspiring musicians. “I always tell young musicians that if you want something, then work hard at it and go after it,” Parker said. “When you find something you’re good at, the fun part just comes along for the ride!”
“Who You Gonna Call” features appearances by Wonder, Herbie Hancock, David Foster, and more.
So you fawn over him but reference ghostbusters which was just a flat out rip off of Huey Lewis so much so even a court ruled it so…
By the way, the producers were the ones who were messed up. I hope Parker and Lewis do a project together someday.
A. I didn’t know Ray Parker wrote ‘You Got The Love’ by Rufus. That was a great song, and a perfect vehicle to introduce Chaka la Khan.
B. I doubt if there will ever be any shared musical projects
tween Ray Parker and Huey Lewis. Huey used to live in my area of the country (Bay Area, near San Francisco). Years ago, I often saw him donating his time to non profit events.
Word is, Huey has lost most of the hearing in one of his ears, making it near impossible for any vocalist to sing along with his band. I don’t know if he still lives around here or not.
I think he splits time between Marin and his ranch in Montana.
I know he has ear issues, but would still love to see the two of them get revenge on the music biz.
Maybe that first song Stevie offered Chaka was “Lovin’ You”, eventually a niche hit by Minnie Riperton.
I recall even back then, people were impressed with Minnie’s voice, but confused to slightly amused by the song’s refrain.
In my opinion, Stevie’s commerically potent songwriting skills gently nosedived from that point on. Everybody has their day in the sun, or as close as they will ever get to one. Then creatively, they begin to either fade or repeat.
>> I hope Parker and Lewis do a project together someday.
Thought Lewis’ hearing was toast.
I love Chaka Khan’s energy and style.
Over over over rated
I thought she was cute in a rae dawn Chong way 80 pounds and 45 years ago
Did well with the better Steve
Winwood
One’s album collection was a good indication of regard. Never had a Winwood album, but I never changed the station when he was on.
Best known for Huey Lewis’ “Ghostbusters,” you mean.
Lovin’ You was written by Riperton (and, as I fact-check myself, some guy named Richard Rudolph), although Stevie Wonder was a producer. Can Chaka even sing in the whistle register (The ecstatic, super-high pitched voice Riperton uses at the end of each refrain)? Very few people can: Mariah Carey, Minne Riperton, Diana Ross, David Lee Roth...
“The best guitar player in the world? Rory Gallagher, without a doubt.”
Keith Richards on Rory Gallagher back in 1988.
I thought it was kinda painful.
“Legendary?” I wouldn’t go that far. He’s probably not even in the top 100 musicians of all time.
I don’t think his problem is hearing volume. He can’t discern pitch anymore or something like that it comes and goes. I think it was just there one day suddenly.
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