Ray Parker Jr. | Ghostbusters | Guitar | Interview | Motown | Tim Pierce

[@jcgood]

As awesome as Ray is, this comment is for Tim: Kudos to you for giving Ray the space to tell these stories. Knowing when not to interrupt is the number one attribute of a good interviewer. I get the sense that you were as fascinated as we were though. GREAT job!

[@nigelwilson1361]

Yes indeed. Fantastic. Two of the nicest guys sharing amazing stories, on top of elegant guitar playing. Thank you. Very inspiring.

[@dickdastardly2560]

The only thing I ever knew about Ray Parker Jr was that Ghost Busters song, never would have guessed in a million years that he was a guitarist and could play this good. Learn something new every day.

[@gordonspeirs8179]

Diddo here, very informative

[@gordonspeirs8179]

Oliver Jones f65. F

[@vendettavendetta6490]

Me also .. ghost busters was all I knew about Ray Parker jnr. It's freaked me out a bit ! What an interesting guy and obviously, very talented.

[@63Baggies]

You need to start reading more album liners and REALLY LISTENING.....

[@63Baggies]

@SuperPunch76 Did either of you study music at all, if not, I can understand. The death of the MUZO is taking place. Start digging around, read more album liners and dig out interviews from great publications such as Guitarist, Musician and Modern Drummer.

[@scotabot7826]

I'm a 59 year old white dude and I have loved Ray and his God given talents since I was a kid in the 1970's. God bless Ray Parker Jr.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! This is one of my favourite episodes already! These kind of next level talents are what make your channel so amazing Tim!

[@timpierceguitar]

Warren thanks so much I’m sure you have experienced the same feeling when you interview one of your heroes!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, indeed! This is such a huge one!

[@AlexZilinski]

@@Producelikeapro Awesome !!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed Alex!! So amazing!!

[@davecheney8501]

I had no idea, what an amazing opportunity that was for him to be sitting with the greats !

[@halohat2286]

Add Ray Parker Jr. to my list of guitar heros. What an awesome man.

[@jhopkins213]

I had no idea Ray Parker Jr. was such an accomplished guitar player. I thought he was known for his vocals. That man has some pipes!

[@cellmate1]

Ray was not a great singer. But he could play!!!

[@Wallimann]

You have the best guests man, I loved this!

[@timpierceguitar]

David hopefully you’ll be my guest soon! We can continue the tradition

[@TennesseeHeirloomWoodcraftCo]

David Wallimann can I be your guest sometime?

[@TheRycooder]

This was AWESOME ! What impresses me most about you Tim is you have NO EGO You are so DAMN GOOD and TALENTED and you invite guests on, brag on them, give them credit for what they've done and expose other to them. You are a GREAT guy! THANK YOU for what you do for your craft!

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

While I wholeheartedly agree, who would bring people in just to brag in front of them?!

[@randomelvis3359]

Authenticity shines through Bullshit...Tim IS an authentically great guy....👍🤘🏻

[@ShawnPuryear]

Found out recently that Tim played on “runaway” by Bon Jovi. Pre Sambora!

[@MadeOnTape]

These Motown stories are incredible for younger Metro Detroit musicians like myself. Should be archived.

[@mustafahajj]

Totally!!!

[@lorenharris2965]

Ray is so underrated. He is unsung. He was a Motown session genius. His solo career with Raydio was epic too.

[@happygilmore2100]

Not underrated.

[@kelseywarren7020]

His acoustic version of Stevie's "Creepin" at the end of this is amazing!! I'm so glad Ray is getting more respect as a musician & audio guru (which I had no idea). True gem of a musician in all forms.

[@imlostinthewoods]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I see that eight people put a thumbs down on this interview... what an amazing player as well as a person. Thanks for the history lesson, it was truly enjoyable.

[@Guitaroverkill]

Ray Parker: Who ya gonna call? Huey Lewis: My lawyer.

[@deldia]

Huey’s lawyer: busting makes me feel good

[@mr.nobodyhere]

1 800 got sued

[@petermeter8221]

Guitar Overkill 🤣

[@mesientogut6701]

Ride on the magic school bus

[@distantgalaxymusic1447]

Shouldn’t this be a Huey Lewis interview?

[@TheToneLounge]

The cool thing about an episode like this, is that we get to know more about an artist we knew very little of, and get to respect him for the body of work that he has and his talent, beyond just Ghostbusters. Love it.

[@TheWrestlingFamily]

He’s so lucky he had great parents! They raised a legend!!

[@substrate001]

Man, Ray was GROOVIN' in that intro! You could tell by his body movement & facial expressions he was loving it! GREAT player, great interview. Thanks, Tim!!! ️🎸👍

[@curtkeisler7623]

Wow. Thanks Tim for capturing this piece of History. What's not to love about Ray Parker Junior? Definitely an American National Treasure.

[@areguapiri]

Ray Parker is definitely one of my favorite artists of all time. He has always been extremely talented and under the radar. But he is a cool dude!

[@Dominion-1]

I could spend the whole weekend listening to liner notes or back stories of artists.

[@JustinGuitarSongs]

What a great interview Tim! Ray parker seems such a cool cat - and what a history!! Playing with James Jameson as a kid. Far out...

[@gokhanersan8561]

Never knew Ray Parker even played an instrument ! He is a monster on guitar; played for Spinners, Marvin Gaye - way before Ghostbusters. My favorite episode so far.

[@raygu1818]

And had his own band called Raydio

[@redhouaneboulechbak8316]

And Barry. And i once read he played on numerous hot wax / invictus trax. Uncredited by Barry & Holand Dozier Holland

[@guitardudeguy3139]

I got to meet and hang out with Ray Parker Jr. In Michigan at the River Raisin Jazz festival in Monroe. What a real cool guy , got some pics with him and I will never forget it because it was uncommonly cold on that day in August. He was wearing a T shirt!...We talked and shivered! What a great band he had with him! Hes a legend , truly.

[@Matthew-ez4ze]

Oh my God this is classic! The James Jamerson story is hilarious!

[@davecarsley8773]

That dude's right hand has crazy solid timing. He's right in the pocket.

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

The foundation of solid rythm guitar playing is churning out solid 16th with that strumming hand. I always say, the right hand is the drummer. 👊🏾

[@sharonraizor2839]

Tim, you are an excellent LISTENER! You let your guests do the talking!

[@adsvx]

This is really cool. Thanks for having him, Tim. He is something else. I'm so glad you did a vid with him.

[@thebrushhawg]

Hearing these stories is really one of the greatest gifts of this youtube thing.

[@traumatizer2]

Tim is stunned just like most of us here.Great job Tim.I had no idea Ray is the one who played on all our favorite tunes on the radio.✌💪💪

[@dalehobbs8782]

Man, this is too good. I'm from Detroit, and hearing personal stories about the Funk Brothers, the Snake Pit, the 20 Grand Club, Latin Quarter... those clubs are legendary around here. Thanks Tim for posting this.

[@diment0857]

Ray Parker Jr. is a self-effacing music giant who has lived a full life filled with love and success. This is a fantastic interview that warms one's heart (all 3 parts).

[@jarodreddig63]

Absolutely fascinating story Ray tells. It should be a movie. I mean come on Ghostbusters song is basically folk-music at this point!!

[@gokhanersan8561]

After this interview, I went to Qobuz and bought a bunch of Ray Parker music ! Having a blast with those funky grooves, and unapologetic sense of humor.

[@blackstratblues]

Awesome interview! Can’t wait for the next 2 parts.

[@Tonycolorado1858]

Wow!! What a guitarist. His feel and timing are unreal.

[@bernsense]

Thanks for posting this, Tim! Ray is an amazing musician, and I remember working with him back in the early 2000s, when we hired him, along with Dean Parks, for a session. He had so many stories to tell, we needed to extend our Studio time! But it was well worth it... 👍😎

[@thegreatestbassist]

What an AMAZING musician and human being. He'll forever go down in history for his famous GHOSTBUSTERS!!!

[@deafconmediaZA]

When I first started playing I thought being good was about how fast you could shred. This guy is a perfect example of years of perfecting technique, that sounded incredible.

[@Awesome1980s]

Ray is the coolest! Smiles the whole way through...such an astonishing musician.

[@budandbean1]

Loved this, thank you Tim! My favorite song by Ray will always be Jack and Jill. We had a High School group in 1978 and won the talent show with that amazing tune! It was such a great time. Thank you Ray!

[@jazzfunkhead6866]

Tim thank you a million times for this interview. We desperately needed this. Young people watching this video you are looking at a legend. You are also hearing history. This man owned the pocket and has set the bar so high for guitar playing and becoming a studio musician. Ray Parker Jr is the authority. One of the few jewels we have left who was connected to Detroit and the magic that came from that city and musical era.

[@SimpsonMusicProductions]

Amazing history lesson . Had no idea of his amazing history. Looking forward to Parts two and three !!

[@mattwhite9823]

In my Opinion on Ray Parker , is he really Shine as a Bass Guitarist, he has his own style, he's a good Guitarist two, but specialty is the Bass, he's out of this World on the Wah Wah pedal... ....

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

Man...this is absolutely gold...! Always knew about RPJ and grew up in bands playing his Raydio stuff back in the day. I couldn't even blink hearing him tell these amazing stories. One of my all time favorite rythm guitar guys...!

[@fastra3621]

His stories are crying out to be made into a film! Throughly loved listening to this.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

This is absolutely amazing wow!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks Robert! hope you are well!

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

@@timpierceguitar Doing great man. Can't wait for part 2!

[@503dude8]

I had no clue Ray Parker Jr. is so talented, and started so young. He has an amazing story.

[@yayo2211]

I could listen to this all the day.

[@glennjames7107]

Tim, this is golden content I never realized, like so many, how much Ray had contributed to the music industry ! Thank you for letting him tell his story. I knew he was a well respected musician, but didn't know how deep he really was in the Motown scene, and how much his sound was woven through the Motown era.

[@tomace6906]

This is what I love about the you tube era. I am sitting here on rainy morning expecting nothing special from the day and then boom - this video!!!! I will walk around with a smile on my face the whole day and keep this on the top of my playlist. What a man, what an energy what a story - just awesome.

[@donharrold1375]

That Ghostbusters riff is hypnotic - it’s been lodged in my brain all day. It looks easy, but getting the rhythm right is really quite difficult.

[@Angelrat666]

Oh boy. I'm a Metal / Rock'n Roll guy, but this is pure gold. Thank you so much for this story. Rays story is very similar to all the old blues guys. Amazing.

[@markscola4806]

Astonishing interview! Ray is so real and down to earth and his early life as a session guitarist is amazing. Oh yeah, how about his feel and pocket? Can't wait for Part 2 and 3! Thanks Tim.

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

What a great player Ray is with such rhythm and hooks forever!

[@keithowens2554]

Bohannon!!! He is a classic in my family! "Let's Start The Dance" is our family theme song.

[@alpadg]

Holly Smokes! What a fantastic guy! I had always see his name on the Ghost Busters stuff but had no idea just how deep this guy goes! He has played on every record I listened to when growing up! Motown in those days was tops - and he was on all of it! Thank you Ray and thank you Tim!!!

[@ricroc1]

Outstanding episode Mr. Pierce.The great Mr. Parker is indeed a real living legend.Thanks to you both.

[@tmitz73]

Wow what an interesting and talented guest Tim; Imagine if I only knew about him in 86'...amazing 35 years later I'm just discovering him, because of your great video, Thanks so much!!!

[@jessestaton305]

Golden was the exact right word for how he expressed his life. Wow what a blessing. I wish I had went to school that early to learn music, I even practice 6 hours a day sometimes right now. A hell of a story

[@Bassic778]

Ray is an incredible living legend!!! He obviously made up the $800 for the sax!!! "That's all I could do was read." What an incredible statement! I'm sure that was a major advantage that he had over a lot of guitarists at that time regarding session work! Getting sooo much playing experience with LEGENDS at such as early age was huge as was being a part of music history!!!

[@leepshin]

Talk about "underrated"? Ray really is a genuine unsung hero, a hidden legend even.

[@ClintScottFischer]

Jesus, I never realized he was this prolific of a guitar player and a session genius at such an early age.

[@joekyleboston]

Probably the best thing on the Internet. Thank you Tim. Thank you Ray Parker Jr.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Awesome!!!!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks Shawn!!

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

5:15 My exact experience with the trumpet in high school. First chair--the whole nine. .........couldn't solo to save my LIFE!!! Picked up the guitar and keyboards...and the music just flowed. Why? Because all of the notes are RIGHT THERE!!! Patterns even. Wind instruments were too esoteric--the same fingerings for different notes--too much mental math getting in the way of the expression. I suppose that's why some horn players close their eyes when soloing. At least for the way my mind worked, having all the notes right before me and all I had to do was see the patterns and pick the notes....BOOM! 💡

[@bigkeezo]

Wow my musical journey is similar

[@bobbaumeister5243]

Thank you very much Tim - this is guitarplayer's dream! Motown living legend Mr. Parker with unbelievable passion and timefeel in your rooms - very awesome!

[@shotgunrebels]

Finding this a year later. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Thanks Tim!

[@drbassface]

Great interview! Heavy cat indeed. Didn’t realize. Cool story with him and Jamerson.

[@m0rtenDK]

I recently watched a lot of videos with Jonathan Moffett (the drummer from Michael Jackson's band) and thought it was him. Is it just me or do they seem awfully similar in looks? :)

[@2GoldensTosa]

Outstanding! Ray has to be one of your coolest guests, ever! What a gentleman and great player!

[@saviogaikwad6869]

Wow! The historicity of this man's life is so amazing! Thank you Tim!

[@MaverickX36]

Wonderful interview, nice to see Ray after all these years. Ghostbusters tune still with me 😎✌🏻

[@RonZabrocki]

This whole series with Ray is just incredible! Thanks Tim!

[@leok619]

I had the pleasure to meet Ray about 40 years ago when I worked the counter at an LA guitar shop in the mid-late 70's during his "Raydio" days. He was very humble and approachable then and clearly fame & fortune haven't changed him.

[@chrisscott2498]

Leo Carson, was that Aeolian Music perchance?

[@leok619]

It was Valdez guitars on Santa Monica Blvd at Larrabee in West Hollywood. RP Jr ordered a custom-made star shaped guitar for live shows. A lot of famous players passed thru .. Eddie Van Halen, Rick Derringer, Ray Parker Jr, Todd Rundgren to name a few. Jimmy Wyble the western swing guy taught there. I was young and stupid at the time so I missed a lot of opportunities to learn from the best.

[@TexasJackdaw]

What a fascinating guy. I never knew about his history before his big hit. Thank you for sharing!

[@guttorocha]

His guitar is so groovie and melodic at the same time, so beatifull to watch and listen, thank you for the interview!

[@mearkitek3773]

Thanks for digging out the real behind-the-scenes action Tim. Ray’s such an unassuming guy and so talented. What a success story!

[@TheReubenKincaid]

Love it,! Knew Ray could play but didn't know his history. Tim, your a fantastic interviewer....you ask, and then lay back...perfect...

[@JBGuitarInstruction]

Wow, totally blown away by the talent you bring. Viva Ray and Tim!

[@davidjacobsen1903]

You've presented us some magical moments Tim, Ray is not only a giant talent but so humble and warm.... seeing two supremely talented musicians talking with such humility is so rare and very uplifting, thanks Tim!!!

[@robbroadwell1633]

Wow, I love episode 1 with Ray Parker. I can't get enough of this truly fascinating to hear his stories, his playing and just his context. Seems like a really balanced guy, with a ton of success in the music industry. That's hard to find.

[@randeledquilang4769]

The Past & One Sided Love Affair are my favorite songs of Ray Parker Jr.

[@jimlee1498]

I've heard the ghostbusters song a million times but never realized what great guitar part it was until I saw this video. Thanks Tim

[@avielkharrat5788]

WAW ! Ghostbusters was one of my favorite songs when i was a kid. Never knew more to Ray Parker jr than this. And of course, i never imagined that this guy is such a talented guitarist! Thx so much for this video. Can't wait to see the upcoming ones!!!

[@GS-uy4xo]

Creeping by Stevie Wonder, at the end clip - and all the songs he just calls off and plays without hesitation - sweet! This is just so good on so many levels -- thank you Tim for asking, and Ray for sharing.

[@moochasas]

The music is one thing but the stories are what makes the magic magical...... what a guy....... great channel TP

[@markusantonio4866]

I checked out his pre Ghostbusters material a year ago, and what a fantastic talent. Ray's material after Ghostbusters is fantastic, too.

[@Atttuner]

Great interview Tim nothing like just letting a legend serve up such a storied past - what a history. Appreciate this work very much

[@TastyGuitarcom]

Wow! Amazing stuff, playing with all those guys at 15!

[@tb7077]

I had no idea he was a guitarist let alone having that kind of history! Thanks! I loved this episode.

[@Hanssone]

when he plays is all there in his right hand, such a musical feel

[@chavjones]

What a gem! I grew up on motown very interesting to hear, Thanks!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I could listen to Ray talk for a year.

[@o.g.tommye7580]

This was a blessing to see another incredible individual that inspired me to create music. Thank you!

[@chrisclermont456]

What a great interview!! Thanks so much, Tim Pierce!! Love this channel. Let us know when the new episodes are available.

[@harrybee3093]

What a nice guy... and he spoke right out of my heart !

[@tomdecuca3627]

I can remember back in the late 70s hearing about Ray Parker Jr. And his amazing "funk" or what they called "percolator" guitar!

[@serratusband]

This is such an amazing interview, I’ve seen it multiple times.

[@earlthornton5689]

Thank you for everything Tim. Truly enjoyed this one. Tears and laughter. A piece of the history behind the music that shaped many of us. Thanks again. Be well, stay bold.

[@tel5690]

Steve Lukather spoke highly of Ray Parker... This proves that..

[@luisramos3427]

Those are huge words coming from the Professor Lukather.👍

[@calvincraft5626]

His song The Other Woman is great, one of my favorites. You can tell he's got chops on that one and I had no idea about his Motown work. So interesting.

[@mattgraham7835]

I was on a Fender Factory tour in August of 2014 and the place was buzzing because it was rumoured that Ray was there checking out some gear in a private room. I sure wish I could have confirmed it. The Fender guys weren’t talking though. LOL. Great video Tim, Ray has some fantastic history to share and I look forward to the rest of the interview videos. Thanks!!!!

[@Skypie61]

TIM, aside from you being a legend, you continue to share so much that between you, Rick Beato, Tommy Emmanual, and many others on KZbin, a special, special thank you👍😃🏅🏅