Ray Parker Jr. Breaks Down His Biggest Hits

[@VertexEffectsInc]

TABLE OF CONTENTS 00:00 Ray Plays “Ghostbusters” 00:28 The Story Behind Ghostbusters 06:50 Ray’s Work with Bill Withers 09:10 Heritage Guitars 10:14 Ray Plays “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers 13:16 Working with Barry White from an Early Age 15:35 Sweetwater Gear Exchange 16:18 “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” by Barry White 17:12 What was a Barry White Session like? 19:34 The Story Behind “You Got the Love” by Chaka Khan 21:50 Ray Plays “You Got the Love” 22:19 Ray’s Secret Pick Technique 23:19 Coming up with the Groove for “You Got the Love” 24:02 Ray Wrote “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” 25:19 Ray Plays “You Make Me Feel LIke Dancing” 27:14 The Story Dean Parks Always Brings up to Ray 28:17 Ray’s Work with Marvin Gaye 30:34 “I Want You” by Marvin Gaye 31:00 What was a Marvin Gaye Session Like? 32:53 Working with Cheryl Lynn 34:32 Ray Plays “Got to Be Real” 35:55 Ray’s Most Used Guitar was Stolen 37:14 Mono Creators 37:46 Ray Plays “Doin It” by Herbie Hancock 38:13 Working with Herbie Hancock 40:30 Ray’s Work with Boz Scaggs 41:27 “Jojo” by Boz Scaggs 42:11 What was a Boz Scaggs Session Like? 44:05 Reflecting on Photos from Ray’s Career 52:02 Huge Thanks to Ray for His Time and Great Guitar Playing! 52:50 Thanks for Watching!

[@mannyfragoza9652]

just about every time i see a Steven Lukather interview he never fails to mention Ray Parker Jr. Im guessing they were good friends?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, we show some clips of Lukather talking about Ray in the video@@mannyfragoza9652

[@shawncozad8565]

Ray parker didnt write this. The man who wrote it was told to make a song like hewi louis. Then he was sued for sounding too much like i want a new drug

[@patrickmichaeldedios705]

ray parker deserves a hall of fame recognition

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I would presume he'd be there if he's not already.

[@7777Lace]

Mr. Ray Parker Jr is NOT in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, but he did receive a Star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ona0kKt_aK5_d8Usi=Dc-C70MkHYcMCLML

[@johncaldwell881]

Ray Parker’s chords are so clean, so rich, so full, it’s all in his attack

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@BrittneyCooper-yb3td]

Ray finally getting the long overdue recognition he deserves. Thanks Mason for recognizing these underrated behind the scenes musicians too.🙏

[@realityme]

Why do people say things like this? The man has been held in the highest esteem in the music industry since the 1970s. He has grammys, oscar nominations etc. His accomplishments are astronomical and he has a star on the hollywood walk of fame. He has always been given his recognition.

[@CarlstenProductions]

This was one of the best interviews I've seen in a while. Ray Parker Jr. is a complete legend in my book! So many good songs and his own recordings are awesome aswell.

[@artheriford]

Ray and Nile Rodgers are the two best I've heard playing that sort of funky rhythm.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Soooo great!

[@georgewilliams9531]

He's been around for a long time He's had so many hits in the 70 and 80s he doesn't get the credit he deserves just because of this interview I'm going to subscribe thanks for this interview

[@JacksonDreyer]

And Paul Jackson Jr. and David Williams. All absolute BEASTS

[@Havanacuba1985]

Defo Paul Jackson & Ray

[@funkrocker8011]

Ooh man! You know I totally agree with you.

[@melvinbrown1064]

If Ray Parker, Jr. is doing an interview, I'm watching it! Been a fan since I was about 8 years old in the 70's.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Best of the best!

[@seansherrod8725]

More than just loving Mr. Parker I really love this interviewer. Man, this kat really knows how to dig DEEP with his questions…I LOVE IT!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@jasonwhite1158]

This is one of the best interviews of Ray Parker, Jr. Well documented. The Raydio records has to be one of my favorites.

[@polotrey]

I'm a huge fan of Ray. I've seen his interviews and documentary. I can hear him talk all day. I'm glad his talent and contributions are being recognized

[@CaptainRon1913]

Ray is such a gem of a guy. Thanks for posting the interview

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

“The Other Woman” is my favorite Ray jam!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, wish we'd had more time to talk about that and Raydio!

[@tednorton5150]

absolutely, the best of funk and metal with those wailing background vocals and an extra reedy sax solo that is instantly identifiable. another record chock full of hooks. "Jack and Jill" which he co wrote is simply sublime urban soul. "All in the Way You Get Down" has to be at least a little auttobiographical cause it's awfully detailed in plot . hahahaha.

[@tipplers3417]

These interviews are best thing on KZbin. The stories & those guy tryna remember best they can is absolutely amazing

[@akina7491]

Incredible interview with few wonderful stories. Vertex effects did their thing.Ray Parker jr One of our most gifted musicians hes a living legend.🎉🎉🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💪🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵💎💎💎💎💎🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆✅️✅️✅️✅️✅️💯

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@ricktheexplorer]

I have been a fan since the 80's but didn't know he was a part of some of the greatest songs in history, as well. Thank You for a great interview!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@kamks6054]

Ray Parker is so cool, I remember seeing him in Paris, with Joe Sample, in a jazz club, it was a good evening and a good concert. After the show, I had the chance to talk to one of my musical heroes, the great Joe Sample, it was a good time, Joe was very nice, and kind, and the same for Ray he was very nice and funny, I remember talking to him about Raydio, etc and also the Crusaders, that I was a big fan of Larry Carlton and he replied with big eyes "me too man" etc I hope he will come back to play in Paris, to see him again.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, that's amazing! Joe is a legend too!

[@LukeJackandWill]

Very thankful for all these interviews! Awesome job.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hope you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@kelvendyson1508]

It's criminal that he doesn't get the credit he deserves for playing on so many records and playing with so many people and writing songs. He came up with one of the most iconic songs and is an underrated guitarist!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

One of the best to have ever done it!

[@EstelleCecil]

Too many people on KZbin saying these guys don’t get enough recognition or are unsung. I can tell you from first hand experience. Parker along with Huff, Jackson Jr, Ritenour, Wah Wah Watson, Carlton, Lukather, McKay, Siegel, Parks, Rogers, Williams, Sembello were session monsters in the 70s, 80 and 90s. Don’t let the fact that they were not constantly on the front covers of teeny magazines fool you.

[@MissingNumb]

So prolific he was parodied by Key and Peele... I hope Ray got the jist, as the joke was not on him, more so on the entertainment industry (particularly the hustle needed of studio session players)...

[@mznxx319]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen of Ray, my favourite guitarist!

[@c.o.s.ismyname7701]

I loved me some Ray Parker Jr. back in the day. So handsome. Still the same today. Talented musician with a beautiful singing voice. 🫶🏽 Ray.

[@CMPProductions]

This is great! Ray Parker Jr. is a true legend and an incredible musician. Could hear him tell stories for days. Good stuff Vertex

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much for tuning in!

[@christophercheney1006]

The ultimate music lesson. On time & on point!

[@WogerWaaabbit]

Awesome interview. Ray is a severely underrated talent 🤩

[@VertexEffectsInc]

An American treasure!

[@EricBrooksDotCom]

Ray Parker Jr. Basically played guitar and wrote songs all through the soundtrack of my life. ❤ Raydio came out in my teenage years, and his solo albums I still play to this day.

[@Stopthismadnessnow-t4l]

Thank you. I’ve always loved Ray Parker Jr. I was young then, so I had not known that he was in such great demand, playing with many different musicians.

[@lchristine3722]

One of my favorite Aritists of all time. Great interview.

[@swanzettajohnson7882]

👁️💕 RAY PARKER, JR. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎤🎤🎤 1 OF MY TOP 5 GUITARISTS OF ALL TIME IN MY BOOK PERIOD😎

[@VertexEffectsInc]

So great!

[@jerrymcleod8586]

ThankYou For this great treat,I met Ray Parker & Earl Klugh at the Blue Note in NY and he’s a Great Musician plus a Greater Person,much love for his contributes to Music!🙏🏾💯🎸🎸

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Bet it was great!

[@DreamsongsProductions]

I love these interviews with studio legends. Good job bro, I need more...

[@GmanMusicProductions]

Great Job Mason! You can see you were geeked up for the interview (in a good way). We need these interviews from greats like Ray to remind us you don't need much gear to make music. How many classic were recorded with a Princeton or a Tweed amp.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Gosh, those Princeton Reverbs, even 70's ones, were all over the hits!

[@JamesChristian-y9u]

Simplicity is so effective in chordal and note expression!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@melvinholcer4756]

Ray Parker Jr is a great musician!!! Love his music

[@shaolinred7680]

Very good interview. I would've liked to have heard discussion about his a few of his other solo career hits like, "The Other Woman" and "For Those Who Like To Groove". He also owned one of the top recording studios in LA..

[@VertexEffectsInc]

We picked the songs together based on what Ray felt like he had exciting stories for. I guess we'll need to talk to Ray again ;)

[@thegreatstrogannofski3418]

Seconded,the other woman was a crackin' song

[@g.e.wilber1850]

Ray you should do a concerts..Your music pops up Everywhere From the 70th and 80's..Old and New generation

[@philf4086]

Nice work Mason and Ray! Ray is so authentic and driven, great role model!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Thanks for covering Ray Parker Jr. I love his rhythm and hooks! He's playing here an LsL T-Bone, looks like.

[@vaughnmiller4371]

Ray Parker Jr. This man is definitely gifted. Gifted to the point of near genius level musical artist. And one of the top two funkiest rhythm guitar players of all time. Can we give this man his flowers now, please! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@emmittwine4159]

This was an excellent interview 😎 👍🏽 🎸 🎶 🎶 🎶 ☀️

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@highgatehandyman6479]

That was great. So inspiring. Man as long as you gotta guitar you have a means to really make beatiful feelings. And you can do it in your chair. Cheaper than golf

[@colsontowingllc3309]

Ray for president 2024!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Writing him in!

[@BuddyBoo123]

Lol!

[@mr.yellowstrat3352]

We got a ghost in the oval office right meow that needs BUSTIN 👻

[@colinfarel]

Ray for president. We don't want Mango Mussolini back in the office. We want peace and love no more hateration.

[@mr.yellowstrat3352]

@@colinfarel Don't turn this into a political debate. We all know the current administration is more tyrannical than the last. More wars, more problems, more overreach, etc.

[@stratdx]

I love listening to Steve Lukather talk about how great Ray is, as a musician and a person.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Lots of reverence between those two!

[@user-gf6gf2iy2k]

Was awesome seeing how much regard Dan Huff has for Ray too!

[@316word]

These interviews with all the studio greats are just fantastic, thanks for these

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Incredible musician! I think his band Raydio is often overlooked. Great funk band!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, indeed!

[@martydibergi5228]

Weird but true-recently found out Prakash John and I have a common friend. Of course, a guitar god.

[@garethharrison5797]

What a cool guy! Fantastic stories. Great video. Loved it.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@demejiuk5660]

This channel is a gem.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@AnthonyWilliams-ot1yk]

Ray is one of the great unsung champions of popular music. He deserves his place in the RRHF!

[@dad_fi]

what a wonderful human. that was such a treat

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hope you enjoyed!

[@williamtell1477]

Worth it for the Fender thins alone! I LOVE this series, thank you so much for doing these!

[@deaconddd]

Hell Yeah! Another banger with a straight legend. This was incredible!

[@cabofalcone]

Love Ray and these interviews, Keep 'em comin'!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@moritzvdforst]

What a warm person !!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great guy! Such a fun interview!

[@1bullsprig]

A lot of us guys that followed Eddie Van Halen and other guitar monsters from the late 70's also knew about ol' Ray Parker Jr. He wasn't afraid to hit that distortion pedal and light up a song. He could get after it.

[@elevenAD]

Good to see Ray still bustin!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Ha!

[@shelleymariejohnson503]

I want to hear Ray do his song "you make me feel like dancing" I was in Jr high when you can't change that came out. I am primarily a rocker, always fully appreciated Ray. Skip ahead 50 some years My great nephew, Nico, 5 years old now, is a big fan. I took care of him a lot in his first year, we danced and I always sang him to sleep. You can't change that was his favorite song then. I was crushed when they.moved across the country and I didn't see him for a long time. On a FaceTime call, I put on the video and his head snapped around I saw the memory coming to him. He was rocking and so happy. I went and stayed with them a few months and it was fall when I got there. There was talk their house was haunted, he became afraid of ghosts. I knew the perfect solution. Ray Parker, Jr ain't afraid of no ghost. Lol it worked. Nico ain't afraid of no ghost now either. While I was there he tried so hard to be able to sing all the parts of you can't change that, he was 3, he told me one night, Auntie, it's very complicated.. I love that Ray is his idol, in 2024 at 5.

[@tericarter2019]

My Dad met you and so did I and you signed my album that I still love.🙂🙂

[@TrickyTrav967]

Ray is a legend! Rocking an LSL T-bone as well! I can't wait for my saticoy to arrive!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yes!

[@Bobby_Digital37]

Best episode yet!!! 😊 thank you 🙏🏽

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, thank you!

[@Peppe73it]

When we talk about a musician like here , I feel like we are talking about the David of Michelangelo Pure art and inimitable talent

[@CamiloVelandia]

Another fantastic interview! Thanks Mason!

[@Kasper911band]

Wow! Love you for this one and the Paul Jackson Jr interview Mason! These guys are the true GOATS Of R&B! All we need is Ernie Isley from the Isley Brothers or Michael Hampton from Parliament Funkadelic! 🤟🏽😎

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks Kasper! Glad you dug it!

[@OGCAMG]

incredible interview. So much rich history. I love this series

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@gabrieldesouzateixeira2360]

As always a very charming an insightful interview. More please.😄

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@jlmac39]

The GOAT on rhythm guitar!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@babayaga1767]

His right hand should be insured

[@VertexEffectsInc]

probably is@@babayaga1767

[@stoatystoat174]

Love him

[@VertexEffectsInc]

One of the BEST to ever do it!

[@BassByTheBay]

3 of his biggest hits were with Raydio: "You Can't Change That", "Jack and Jill", and "A Woman Needs Love". Why no conversation about those?

[@angryshoebox]

Great interview. That's also a very young Ray Parker Jr. in "Want Ads" by The Honey Cone.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@kincamell2]

Gratitude Marvin Gaye I Want You is one of the best, ever.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, crazy story however of how this came about!

[@ApolloSol]

I love Ray Parker! Hope I meet him one day.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great player, great guy!

[@jimmyz2098]

Ray Parker Jr was just so darn cool. Guess what? ................................... He still is!

[@BHJ7115]

Great content! Thank you!

[@thomasrusso4506]

Amazing interview!

[@benji7587]

Great interview! Didn't Ray played that incredible guitar on Stevie Wonder's "Maybe Your Baby" on the Talking Book album? I wish you would have discussed that incredible work of art! with him!

[@jefffranklin2294]

Love the content you're doing like this Mason. When is the Huff interview coming?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It'll be a few weeks! We got 2TB of footage to sort through and over 3 hours of content.

[@jefffranklin2294]

Is that all?!? Make sure you show every second of it. I hope you have Carlos Rios on the list to do also

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@jefffranklin2294 I hope Carlos will agree!

[@kkrsnn5632]

Just a few minutes into this and it's great. Thanks 😎

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@OrangutanTradeSalesmen]

Ray is the man

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Best of the best!

[@MATTHEWS_IXXI]

Aaah need many more these please!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@taylorlimbeck6854]

This song stands the test of time. I jam to that song with my 4 year old all the time.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@formulas2730]

Great interview, just a little surprised and disappointed you didn't ask him about his own solo career with Raydio and his record 'The Other Woman" that got played a lot in my area. Almost felt bad for Ray that you didn't mention those recordings, it was all about other's recordings, which was nice but I kept waiting through the whole video saying to myself "wow he really isn't going bring that up ?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The songs we picked together based on what Ray felt like he had exciting stories for. This was a multi-week process of pre-interviewing before I ever came to Ray in person. I guess we'll need to talk to Ray again ;)

[@Stick3x]

Incredible.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea! Thanks for watching!

[@kenrunnels3891]

Man how funky a master at it thank you for shaping alot of my playing you are a baddddd man wow this wa so cool

[@rodneyjoseph4060]

I love this, such a smart and creative musician!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching?

[@NickGranville]

So good! Thanks mason

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching Nick!

[@davidnorman4923]

Ray played on Boz Scaggs previous album to Middle man called Down two then left! Ray and Jay graydon played rhythm guitar! Jay did one solo and Luke did two as I recall! The rhythm playing by Jay and Ray is so slick! Boz did 2 solo,s ! Hard times and Whatcha gonna tell your man!

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

“Well, the producers told be that they wanted something like Huey Lewis. So, that’s exactly what I gave them”

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Where's that said?

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

@@VertexEffectsInc I’m being sarcastic about Ray stealing the music from “I Want a New Drug” and being sued for it. He lost, but had the settlement sealed. He even threatened to sue Huey for talking about it publicly. I guess the settlement was basically hush money so the general public would think he wrote it himself.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@thomasminarchickjr.7355 I think you're confused, or at least misrepresenting what's actually known as fact. The lawsuit was between Huey Lewis and Columbia Pictures - not Ray Parker Jr. Nobody lost the lawsuit. It was settled out of court with undisclosed conditions. Huey was later issued a law suit for violating the gag order that was conditional to the settlement. I believe this also was settled and didn't go to court. Everything else is conjecture. We don't know the details of the settlement. It's all speculation. However, I think the more likely explanation (however not substantiated) is that Huey was pitched the song by Columbia and Ghostbusters and tried some demos that didn't work out - either by his team pulling out or the studio not liking the results. Ray states that the timeline to produce the song was limited to a few days from when he was given the proposal. I wonder if they had some rough cuts or structures that were presented to Ray at that time as templates, but divorced from Huey. This could possibly explain some similarities. The reality is, however, that there was only a 6 month gap between "I Want A New Drug" and "Ghostbusters". Movies back then had a multi-year arc from shooting, to production, to release and the song being emblematic of the entire film and used throughout it would have been developed long before the film was released, so I suspect there wasn't any way to hear "I Want A New Drug" before the film was already wrapped and the edited and the songs were already in place in the film and the soundtrack solidified. This is why I think it's more likely that any framework that is similar would have had to have come from Columbia in the form of "we're looking for something like this...". Again, I have no proof of that theory, but that seems to be one likely explanation that would fit the timeline and not and outright use of a preexisting song.

[@stequis]

Ray Parker Master, so so perfect!

[@BriantheLionNZ]

Loved this interview, well done Mason.

[@yossifine9244]

One of my favorites of all times. Him Wawa Watson, Nile Rogers, Are the Top 70s funky guitar players

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Best of the best right there. Mount Rushmore of guitarists!

[@suavejay3716]

Love the interviews Mason please do an interview with David T Walker.

[@jaycareaga9929]

Marty and David Paich co produced Got To Be Real. Marty was one of the Wrecking Crew.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for adding this clarification. Hope you enjoyed!

[@aaronj.brooks1977]

This was great Ray did so much in music

[@BillBene67]

Ray is a legend...This interviewer did his homework...well done!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@marselluswallace6597]

The first concert I ever went to was Ray Parker and RAYDIO (JACK AND JILL) spring of 1978. Ray was on tour with The Bar Kays and Bootsy Collins

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Amazing!

[@vaughnchauncy8360]

Tremendous..I remember grooving to the Leo Sayer song in the military and JoJo was a favorite years later wow..

[@fonkfiend]

Great job Mason.. That’s my Detroit big brother right there! Much respect ✊🏾 🎸☮️

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Ray is the best! Hope you liked it!

[@soulsketch10]

Ray is always subzero ice cold and laidback about it too!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He's amazing! Great guitar player!

[@vaughnchauncy8360]

Big fan of Ray's music...I would like to know what Love unlimited orchestra songs and BW songs he played on? And is it true the whole BW session band all played in the studio to record together?

[@Thirsty_Deer_Studio]

Ray is one of the greats

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, best of the best!

[@lonnieroberson7957]

I really enjoyed watching this 😊

[@jeffreyfoster4260]

Ray is a Legend ❤

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The best!

[@jbognap]

Ray was such an inspiration. Must know what Tele he's playing and what pickups. Each position sounds spectacular.