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

www.timpierce.com/masterclass...
www.rayparkerjr.com/
IG @timpierceguitar
Here’s a fascinating interview with guitarist and songwriter Ray Parker Jr.
By the age of 15, Ray was recording with the legendary musicians of Motown, for Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and many, many others.
This short video covers his early years and will be followed by parts 2 and 3.
As you listen to Ray play, check out what made him so in demand as a guitarist, his “pocket” and his “feel.”

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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....👍🤘🏻

[@thetinman3353]

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

[@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.

[@TheWrestlingFamily]

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

[@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.

[@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. 👊🏾

[@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.

[@MadeOnTape]

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

[@mustafahajj]

Totally!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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...

[@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!!! ️🎸👍

[@Matthew-ez4ze]

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

[@Dominion-1]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@jarodreddig63]

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

[@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

[@sharonraizor2839]

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

[@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.

[@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.✌💪💪

[@keithowens2554]

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

[@blackstratblues]

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

[@KeithCopeland778]

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!!!

[@RonZabrocki]

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

[@adsvx]

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

[@muckesvonlulz3740]

just wow ! can't wait for the rest. tremendous !

[@StealthParrot]

What great stories. That was fantastic!

[@davidevans3175]

Best video you've ever posted. Can't wait for the next two! Excellent Tim!!!

[@RobertWGreaves]

One of the most awesome videos I have seen in a while. Love this insight into recording history.

[@13thAMG]

By far the most fascinating interview you've done to date, Tim. RPJ and You BOTH rock!

[@timholt6295]

What a great interview, & person! 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.

[@TheColorofLight]

Aaawww yeah, love, love, love this, can't wait for the next video. Thanks Tim and Ray.

[@Tubetart]

Wow Tim! This is amazing ... thanks so much for a fantastic interview!!!

[@serratusband]

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

[@EmilioConesa]

I love this! Can’t wait for part 2 and 3.

[@michaelgilbert1873]

Ray came to UK to record my sons' band Delays in a studio in Farnham. He played Ghostbusters on my acoustic sat in my front room. Told me that Leo Sayer's manager heard him playing a riff in a studio and unknown to Leo he ripped it off for 'You Make Me Feel Like Dancing'. Leo gave him royalties on his next 2 albums to make up for it. Said it made him feel sick every time he heard the song. Re Ghostbusters he said it cost him 30000000 dollars but was no 1 in about 80 countries! Really nice easy going guy and mega talented. Never used the recordings he produced though☺

[@RollieFingers59]

Man what a story ! Thanks so much Tim for bringing him on !!

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

This is fantastic. Thanks for getting this done for us Tim. Yay 2 & 3.

[@aidansmyth6480]

Splendid! Thank you to you Tim and to Mr. Parker.

[@hearpalhere]

This whole trilogy of videos with Ray is outstanding Tim! Thank you so much for posting this wonderful content. I actually didn't know about Ray at all but man, what an inspiration! He seems like a really cool person too - especially his attitude toward work and family. That's a rare thing. Then the fact that he can play like that is just wow!

[@CianRourke]

Wow! Great stories. Great musician.

[@saknut]

What an amazing story and man. Can't wait for more of this.

[@joshuajfoster]

Wow what a legend! Thanks for the upload Tim, these keep getting better and better!

[@TexasJackdaw]

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

[@Lemmysfinger]

That’s the best interview I’ve seen in ages. Ray is such an engaging guy, i could listen to him all day. Thank you for this.

[@tomw4132]

Tim, thanks so much for bringing us this great interview with Ray Parker Jr., love the way he plays! Your the man!

[@Sellarmusic]

Ray is an amazing player and his story is so interesting. Can't wait for the next 2 parts. Thanks for sharing Tim.

[@davemontes9070]

WOW ! Absolutely phenomenal. Thanks Tim for sharing.

[@viktorbuck8342]

Amazing!! Epic stories, and his rythmplaying... wow....

[@RockHardRiffs]

What a great video. Real treat. Love it!

[@popgunband]

That was SPECTACULAR. I'm dying to see the other installments. I'm such a fan of his!

[@Billywagner22]

I can't wait for the next episode. Ray is one of a kind. Thanks for sharing these videos!

[@deronhoward5434]

Tim, thanks so much for allowing Ray to tell his story. Absolutely fantastic interview. I’ve heard his story many times over the years and I’m still eagerly awaiting the upcoming videos. You’re absolutely top notch, Tim! Keep up the great work!

[@lawboss]

Great interview -- what a wonderful person.

[@chrisclermont456]

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

[@GreeneAlien]

I am so glad I watched this, I absolutely love old stories. Thank you

[@chavjones]

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

[@ballsyeunuch9311]

Tim, that was fantastic. Looking forward to parts 2 &3. Ray is so engaging, loved every minute.

[@BV_Beve]

Tremendous !!! Thanks Tim and Ray

[@robertbogdan7058]

What a great interview. I hung on every word. Can't wait for parts 2 and 3.

[@johncore363]

What a wonderful interview. Thanks Tim.

[@bobholt105]

Fabulous interview!!! love Ray's playing and of course his great stories.

[@glennmikes1726]

Thanks Tim for this! Awesome interview!

[@Awesome1980s]

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

[@pcaudio]

This is incredible! Can't wait to see the rest!!!

[@justinbouchard]

This is unbelievably inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing so much of your time and energy with all of us Tim. Truly amazing. Huge love from Canada. xoxo

[@JonnyRollin]

Thanks Tim,for this intriguing insight into a truly iconic time, musician and man- your relaxed interview style as a fan, makes it work so well.

[@michaelscott1199]

Ray and Tim, thanks for this. Really enjoyed Ray's recollection of his great experience throughout his young years.

[@thebrushhawg]

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

[@yayo2211]

I could listen to this all the day.

[@thegreatestbassist]

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

[@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).

[@JBGuitarInstruction]

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

[@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.

[@mudwiser1391]

This made my Saturday morning.

[@ejaymo6095]

Tim, this is great stuff. I keep seeing Ray's name on record after record and i have been for many years. Can't wait to more!

[@ericjam6346]

What a great interview. This was like taking a journey back in time.Ray has such an amazing background and ability!

[@yauhenikunichkin3487]

Top notch! Ray Parker Jr delivers as always!

[@joehandmusic]

Good Grief Tim. Solid gold interview. So much good stuff. So grateful. Thanks for sharing Ray!

[@cfrssll58]

Probably most fascinating, entertaining, humane, and pithy interview I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Really a pleasure to watch, thank you.

[@petercushion9780]

Looking forward to the rest of the interview. 👍

[@jonahguitarguy]

What an absolutely wonderful interview. Ray is a wealth of information and music history. He seems like a truly humble person. Really looking forward to the next ones.

[@Tonycolorado1858]

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

[@MattyK-USA]

Man, what an incredible story Ray has! Best series yet, Tim 👍🤘🤘🤘🔥🔥🔥🤘🤘🤘👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

Wonderful interview... I can't wait to see the next two parts.

[@saviogaikwad6869]

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

[@crompton5751]

I could listen to him all day, great interview

[@boogeen1]

One of the best music insider interview videos I've ever seen.

[@harrybee3093]

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

[@kevingilbertfan]

These are great stories. He has just a tremendous wealth of experience. Looking forward to hearing more.

[@instyle63]

LOVED this ....been studying RPJ for years!!!!

[@MrBangor]

Incredible interview. Thank you Tim.