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

[@halohat2286]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!! ️🎸👍

[@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!

[@MadeOnTape]

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

[@mustafahajj]

Totally!!!

[@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...

[@curtkeisler7623]

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

[@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?

[@sharonraizor2839]

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

[@TheWrestlingFamily]

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

[@Dominion-1]

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

[@adsvx]

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

[@Matthew-ez4ze]

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

[@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

[@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).

[@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.

[@thebrushhawg]

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

[@blackstratblues]

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

[@Awesome1980s]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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... 👍😎

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

This is absolutely amazing wow!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks Robert! hope you are well!

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

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

[@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.✌💪💪

[@jarodreddig63]

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

[@Tonycolorado1858]

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

[@thegreatestbassist]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@ricroc1]

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

[@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...!

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

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

[@fastra3621]

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

[@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. 👊🏾

[@TastyGuitarcom]

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

[@shotgunrebels]

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

[@yayo2211]

I could listen to this all the day.

[@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...

[@saviogaikwad6869]

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

[@2GoldensTosa]

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

[@JBGuitarInstruction]

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

[@keithowens2554]

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

[@JohnnysMusicGarage59]

Tim, Thank you for sharing.....One of the best interviews I've ever seen with a legendary Guitarist....I've been a fan of yours since your days with Rick Springfield....you too sir are a Legend... Keep on spreading the Love.....j

[@viktorbuck8342]

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

[@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.

[@MaverickX36]

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

[@bobbyterrito8011]

OMG!!! Ray’s right hand is absolutely spectacular!!!!! I’d give my left hand to have his right!!!! Amazing video once again Tim!!!

[@Buc27blount]

I am so glad I got to see this interview. I picked up some guitar-playing tips. I got a musical history lesson. Ray is a great storyteller. His mentioning Hamilton Bohannon, what a blast from the past. Hamilton Bohannon's music was popular in NYC back in the 70s when I was a kid. I did not know he had Motown roots. I saw the other two parts and they were great also.

[@joekyleboston]

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

[@drbassface]

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

[@guttorocha]

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

[@Atttuner]

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

[@TexasJackdaw]

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

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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!!!!

[@jcs3663]

Man, amazing video that I thought couldn’t get better, then it ended with that unexpected and beautifully intimate bit of playing by Ray…perfect

[@serratusband]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@tb7077]

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

[@cfrssll58]

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

[@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.

[@markusantonio4866]

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

[@jgreen6434]

I gotta tell ya Tim, I really enjoy you and your channel. I’m a very simple guitar player. I’m by no means an accomplished guitarist or a guitar geek. I find a lot of channels like yours hard to enjoy if you’re not into the technical aspects of music and guitar playing. But even with your amazing technical skills and knowledge you do an amazing job of making your videos enjoyable to the common basic guitar player or music fan. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@timpierceguitar]

Jeff thank you so much it gives me the message need to keep on this path

[@kevingilbertfan]

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

[@o.g.tommye7580]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@rodneyjohnson1829]

Great video as a songwriter from back in the days it was great to see Ray Parker thanks .

[@RonZabrocki]

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

[@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

[@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!!!

[@randallparker8477]

Superb guest, Ray has been one of my favorite musicians for years... some of those years I didn't know it was him! LOL The music was just great back in the day... as they say. Thanks Tim.

[@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!

[@chrisclermont456]

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

[@Jargo1901]

Hey man, I just wanted to thank you. Your show is great and this episode with Mr Parker is incredible. Again, thank you!

[@kwik2hear915]

What a cool interview, one of my idols!!!!!

[@michaela9817]

This should be in The Library of Congress! You captured an important piece of American history.

[@jpechie]

Super interesting interview. Amazing what he accomplished at such a young age.