Ray Erskine Parker, Jr. (born May 1, 1954), is an American guitarist, songw… Read Full Bio ↴Ray Erskine Parker, Jr. (born May 1, 1954), is an American guitarist, songwriter, producer and recording artist. Parker is known for writing and performing the theme song to the motion picture Ghostbusters, for his solo hits, and performing with his band Raydio as well as the late Barry White.
Early Work
In the mid-1970s he was a sideman in Barry White's "Love Unlimited Orchestra", before creating Raydio, an R&B group, in 1977, with Vincent Bohnam, Jerry Knight, and Arnell Carmichael. Parker appeared briefly in the 1974 film "Uptown Saturday Night" as a guitar player. Parker also wrote songs and did session work for The Carpenters, Rufus and Chaka Khan,Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Leon Haywood, Temptations, The Spinners, Boz Scaggs, Rhythm Heritage, and Gladys Knight and the Pips.
Raydio
The group scored their first big hit, with Arista Records, "Jack and Jill" off of their self-titled album in 1978. The song was # 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, earning a Gold record in the process.
Their successful follow-up hit, "You Can't Change That" was released in 1979, off of the Rock On album. The song was a Top 10 hit, making it up to # 9 on the Billboard charts during the same year it was released.
In 1980, the group became known as Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio, and the group released two more albums: Two Places at the Same Time in 1980 and A Woman Needs Love in 1981.
During the eighties Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio had two Top 40 hits ("Two Places at the Same Time" - # 40 in 1980 and "That Old Song" - # 21 in 1981) and their last and biggest hit "A Woman Needs Love," released in 1981, went to # 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts, and # 1 on the R&B Charts for two weeks in 1981.
The Solo Years and Ghostbusters
Raydio broke up in 1981, while Ray Parker Jr. continued with his solo career, scoring six Top 40 hits, including the hit single "The Other Woman" (Pop # 4) in 1982 and "Ghostbusters" in 1984.
Parker was one the first black artists to venture into the then-fledgling world of music videos. He actually made two different videos for his hit "The Other Woman". The first was Halloween-themed and centered around a haunted castle with dancing corpses and vampires. The second was more performance-oriented, with Parker performing the song against a outer space background with backup singers. MTV initially refused to air either video because, at the time, no videos for black artists were shown and, in the case of the "haunted castle" video, Parker was depicted as having interracial relationships, which MTV didn't want to promote.
"Ghostbusters" was a title track of the Gold-selling soundtrack of the hit movie Ghostbusters (but the song has now sold upwards of 28 million units internationally according to Parker in 2007)[citation needed], starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. The single was at #1 for three weeks on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, and at #1 for two weeks on its Black Singles chart. The song was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1984 but lost to Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You" from The Woman in Red.
He also made an acting appearance on the 1980s sitcom Gimme a Break starring Nell Carter.
Controversy surrounding Ghostbusters
Parker was accused of plagiarizing the melody from Huey Lewis & the News song "I Want a New Drug" for his 1984 #1 hit theme to Ghostbusters, released only six months after Lewis' hit reached #6 in the Billboard Hot 100. This ended with Lewis suing Parker, and the pair settled out of court in 1995.
They returned to court once again in 2001, as Parker sued Lewis for breaching a confidentiality agreement forming part of their original out of court settlement which prohibited either side from speaking about it publicly. Lewis had revealed in a VH1 Behind The Music special that Parker had paid a financial settlement as part of the original agreement.
Continued Songwriting
Ray Parker Jr. also wrote and produced hits for New Edition ("Mr. Telephone Man"), Randy Hall, Cheryl Lynn ("Shake It Up Tonight"), Deniece Williams ("I Found Love") and Diana Ross. He also performed guitar on several songs on La Toya Jackson's 1980 debut album.
Raydio Discography
* Raydio (1978) #27 US
* Rock On (1979) #45 US
* Two Places at the Same Time (1980) #33 US
* A Woman Needs Love (1981) #13 US
* Greatest Hits (1982)
Ray Parker Jr. Discography
* The Other Woman (1982) #11 US
* Woman Out of Control (1983) #45 US
* Ghostbusters (Soundtrack) (1984) #6 US
* Chartbusters (1984) #60 US
* Sex and The Single Man (1985) #65 US
* After Dark (1987) #86 US
* I Love You Like You Are (1991)
* I'm Free (2006)
Early Work
In the mid-1970s he was a sideman in Barry White's "Love Unlimited Orchestra", before creating Raydio, an R&B group, in 1977, with Vincent Bohnam, Jerry Knight, and Arnell Carmichael. Parker appeared briefly in the 1974 film "Uptown Saturday Night" as a guitar player. Parker also wrote songs and did session work for The Carpenters, Rufus and Chaka Khan,Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Leon Haywood, Temptations, The Spinners, Boz Scaggs, Rhythm Heritage, and Gladys Knight and the Pips.
Raydio
The group scored their first big hit, with Arista Records, "Jack and Jill" off of their self-titled album in 1978. The song was # 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, earning a Gold record in the process.
Their successful follow-up hit, "You Can't Change That" was released in 1979, off of the Rock On album. The song was a Top 10 hit, making it up to # 9 on the Billboard charts during the same year it was released.
In 1980, the group became known as Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio, and the group released two more albums: Two Places at the Same Time in 1980 and A Woman Needs Love in 1981.
During the eighties Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio had two Top 40 hits ("Two Places at the Same Time" - # 40 in 1980 and "That Old Song" - # 21 in 1981) and their last and biggest hit "A Woman Needs Love," released in 1981, went to # 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts, and # 1 on the R&B Charts for two weeks in 1981.
The Solo Years and Ghostbusters
Raydio broke up in 1981, while Ray Parker Jr. continued with his solo career, scoring six Top 40 hits, including the hit single "The Other Woman" (Pop # 4) in 1982 and "Ghostbusters" in 1984.
Parker was one the first black artists to venture into the then-fledgling world of music videos. He actually made two different videos for his hit "The Other Woman". The first was Halloween-themed and centered around a haunted castle with dancing corpses and vampires. The second was more performance-oriented, with Parker performing the song against a outer space background with backup singers. MTV initially refused to air either video because, at the time, no videos for black artists were shown and, in the case of the "haunted castle" video, Parker was depicted as having interracial relationships, which MTV didn't want to promote.
"Ghostbusters" was a title track of the Gold-selling soundtrack of the hit movie Ghostbusters (but the song has now sold upwards of 28 million units internationally according to Parker in 2007)[citation needed], starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. The single was at #1 for three weeks on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, and at #1 for two weeks on its Black Singles chart. The song was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1984 but lost to Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You" from The Woman in Red.
He also made an acting appearance on the 1980s sitcom Gimme a Break starring Nell Carter.
Controversy surrounding Ghostbusters
Parker was accused of plagiarizing the melody from Huey Lewis & the News song "I Want a New Drug" for his 1984 #1 hit theme to Ghostbusters, released only six months after Lewis' hit reached #6 in the Billboard Hot 100. This ended with Lewis suing Parker, and the pair settled out of court in 1995.
They returned to court once again in 2001, as Parker sued Lewis for breaching a confidentiality agreement forming part of their original out of court settlement which prohibited either side from speaking about it publicly. Lewis had revealed in a VH1 Behind The Music special that Parker had paid a financial settlement as part of the original agreement.
Continued Songwriting
Ray Parker Jr. also wrote and produced hits for New Edition ("Mr. Telephone Man"), Randy Hall, Cheryl Lynn ("Shake It Up Tonight"), Deniece Williams ("I Found Love") and Diana Ross. He also performed guitar on several songs on La Toya Jackson's 1980 debut album.
Raydio Discography
* Raydio (1978) #27 US
* Rock On (1979) #45 US
* Two Places at the Same Time (1980) #33 US
* A Woman Needs Love (1981) #13 US
* Greatest Hits (1982)
Ray Parker Jr. Discography
* The Other Woman (1982) #11 US
* Woman Out of Control (1983) #45 US
* Ghostbusters (Soundtrack) (1984) #6 US
* Chartbusters (1984) #60 US
* Sex and The Single Man (1985) #65 US
* After Dark (1987) #86 US
* I Love You Like You Are (1991)
* I'm Free (2006)
Don't Stop Believin'
Ray Parker Jr. Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Don't Stop Believin'' by these artists:
80's D.J. Dance Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
80's Pop Injust a small town girl, Livin' in a lonely world She took…
A. Kay-B.J. Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Alec Baldwin; Diego Andres Gonzalez Bonetta; Julianne Hough; Mary J. Blige; Russell Brand; Tom Cruis Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Alex Melton Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She too…
Alvin and The Chipmunks Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world. She…
Anna & Senna Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Arnold Schwarzenegger Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world She…
Bonnie Tyler Take me out of the mood I'm in I don't care…
Boyce Avenue Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Boys & Girls 练习闭上眼 体会释放的感觉 不要害怕看不见 Repeat这音乐 快乐是一切 甩开忧郁的昨天 以你为主的世界 旋律在耳边 …
C.C. Tennissen Got a shawdy with me Bad little ting ass heavy OG…
C.C.Tennissen As I proceed indeed to take the lead with speed All…
Chip No Here in my zone Back in my zen Off or the dome Or…
Chris Colfer Kevin McHale Lea Michele Cory Monteith Amber Riley & Jenna Ushkowitz Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Cory Monteith Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Cory Monteith Lea Michele Amber Riley Kevin McHale Jenna Ushkowitz & Chris Colfer Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Cory Monteith Lea Michele and Glee Cast Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Cory Monteith Lea Michele Mark Salling Naya Rivera Kevin McHale Chris Colfer Amber Riley Jenna Ushko Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Diego Boneta Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Eric Chase Just a small town girl, livin′ in a lonely world She…
Eric Dover Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Film Song All-Stars Stop holding control Cause you need something to leave behin…
Flight 409 Just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world She…
Forte A Cappella Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
George Lamond Just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world She…
Glee (Rachel & Finn) Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Glee Cast Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Glee Cast (New Directions) Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Glee Cast - Glee: The Music The Complete Season One Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Glee Cast Feat Lea Michele and Cory Monteith Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Glee Cast Featuring Lea Michele (Rachel) & Cory Monteith (Finn) New Directions: Da, da, da, da... (Repeated until …
Glee Cast(글리 캐스트) Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Great White Well, I never thought I'd see you back On my side…
H. Martins You keep on running boy Leave me behind Place each foot with…
H.e.r.o. Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world She…
Heather Nova Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Jaap Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world She…
Johann Heinrich Jr. & St. Martin's Symphony of Los Angeles They gotta war for oil, a war for gold A war…
Jonathan Cain Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Jorn Just a small town girl Living in a lonely world She took…
Journey Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Journey (Boyce Avenue) Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Journey Journey Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Journey Vs. Michael Jackson You know, I was I was wondering, you know If you could…
Journey Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Julianne Hough Diego Boneta Tom Cruise Alec Baldwin Russell Brand & Mary Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Julianne Hough Diego Boneta Tom Cruise Alec Baldwin Russell Brand & Mary J. Blige Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
KnightsBridge Tonight, I'm gonna have myself a real good time I feel…
L.A. Guns Them hips don't lie The way you twerkin' it Girl you look…
Lea Michele Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Lea Michele & New Directions Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Lea Michele/Cory Monteith Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
LIVING ROOM 1 - Journey Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Lo Mejor Del Rock De Los 80 Just a small town girl Livin′ in a lonely world She took…
loggy Don't stop fillin fillin my cup Don't Stop, gettin gettin to…
Madcon feat. Ray Dalton It feels just like I'm dreaming Don't let me fall asleep We'…
main station Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Mary J. Blige;Julianne Hough;Tom Cruise;Diego Boneta;Alec Baldwin;Russell B Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Mary J. Blige;Julianne Hough;Tom Cruise;Diego Boneta;Alec Baldwin;Russell Br Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Mickey Thomas And Starship Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world…
Minipop Kids Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Northern Allstars Just a small town girl Living in a lonely world She took…
Northern King Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world She…
Ofln - Journey Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Olivia Newton-John You think the world should see things your way Love, I…
Petra Haden Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world She…
R.F.B. Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world She…
R.L. Don't be alarmed It's not the end of the world…
Rascal Flatts & Journey Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Rob Moratti Just a small town girl Livin′ in a lonely world She took…
Rock Of Ages Full Company Just a small town girl, livin′ in a lonely world She…
Sam Tsui Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
Sam Tsui feat. Kurt Schneider So it's gonna be forever, 'Cause we never go out of…
SoundSense Just a small town town girl Livin' in a lonely world She…
St. Martin's Orchestra Of Los Angeles They gotta war for oil, a war for gold A war…
St. Martin's Symphony Of Los Angeles I got to keep going hard cause time don't stop Yea…
Stage Dolls (T. Flakne/B. Icon) Got a vision, got a dream now I'm look…
Starship Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world…
Steel Panther Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
The Chipmunks Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world. She…
The Clef Hangers Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
The Journey [Verse 1] Just a …
The Rock Band Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
The Voice Woke up one morning saw a rooster Struttin' by my house…
Tim Mahoney Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
T‐Pain Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Just a small town girl Livin' in a…
U. of North Carolina Clef Hangers 너를 처음 본 이후 모든 사소한 이유는 필요 없어진 feeling 초의…
UNCHAIN 進めない 悔し涙舐めても 味はしないさ Uh 心で泣いて Uh 希望を歌おう 夢を歌おう 愛を歌おう 目を逸らさず I …
Ursus Factory Sä oot ku silkki Sä oot ku persikka Hengitän sua, oon pilves…
V.A. OK step 1．2．3 流れるサウンドに そっと体を浮かべて さぁほら解き放とう 門限も予定も まだ気になってる？N…
WOHNZIMMER - Journey Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Ray Parker Jr.:
A Woman Needs Love Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo Mmm-mmm-mmm A woman needs a love (just …
Bad Boy I've been a Bad Boy Now I want to come back…
Christmas Time Is Here Hang up the mistletoe And turn the lights down low Let's fee…
Don't Think That Man Should sleep Alone I don't think that man should sleep alone I don't think…
Ghost Busters Ghostbusters If there's something strange in you neighborho…
Ghostbuster Ghostbusters! If there's something strange in you neighborh…
Ghostbusters (Ghostbusters) If there's something strange In your neighbor…
Ghostbusters (From Ghostbusters! If there's something strange In your neigh…
Ghostbusters (Instrumental Version) GHOSTBUSTERS If there's something strange in your neighborh…
Girls Are More Fun Girls are more fun, ooh, ooh Girls are more fun The party…
I Don't Think That Man Should Sleep Alone I don't think that man should sleep alone I don't think…
I Got You I'm all confused And I don't know what to do Cause I…
I Still Can I'm all confused and I don't know what to do Cause…
I Still Can't Get Over Loving You I'm all confused And I don't know what to do Cause I…
In The Heat Of The Night He promises you things'll be different If you just give him…
Intro It's neither touch nor taste But silvery lines, the cute fr…
It's Time to Party Now Everybody* up it's time to party now Turn up the music…
Jack and Jill Jack (Jack)- wanting someone to feel (feel) Sat upon the hil…
Jamie Jamie used to be my girl She used to be my…
Let Me Go We've been goin' out for awhile now baby We've had…
Loving You I'm all confused And I don't know what to do Cause I…
Old Pro (Oooooo) Loving you, was everything I needed and more But li…
Over You I'm all confused And I don't know what to do Cause I…
So Into You "So Into You" All my life I′ve elected To keep my feelings …
That Old Song A good song and a love affair Go hand in hand…
The Other Woman Oh, yeah I'm in love (I'm in love) With the other woman My…
The Past I was wrong when I hurt you Did you have to…
The People Next Door I wanna bang on the walls Rock on the floor I wanna…
Two Places At The Same Time Doo, doo, doo Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo First time…
Woman Out Of Control Mmm I've got a woman out of control A woman…
You Can Mm, hm Honey, I'll always love you I promise I'll always lo…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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