Guitarist and songwriter Ray Parker, Jr. has had a long and varied career as a guitarist backing up the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Spinners and Gladys Knight and the Pips; as the leader and chief songwriter for the chart-topping group Raydio; and as a writer of hit songs for artists like Rufus and Chaka Khan, Diana Ross and Barry White. He has also had a successful solo career, most notably topping both the pop and R&B charts in 1984 with his performance of the theme song from the film Ghosbusters.
Ray Parker Jr. is a musician and songwriter from Los Angeles. Parker talks about his new album, I'm Free. He explains why his family prompted him to not record a CD for over a decade. Parker also covers how his new album is completely different. He performs three different types of guitars, and offers various genres on the record, including reggae and blues. Also in this segment, Parker discusses his plans for distribution, such as retail outlets and possibly an infomercial.
Ray Parker Jr. is a musician and songwriter from Los Angeles. Parker offers advice to aspiring musicians. He talks about how to tell if you belong in the music business. If you will be miserable unless you make it big, then you are right for the industry. An artist must dedicate their entire life to their music. Having a backup plan is not an option. Parker also discusses the importance of understanding the business - knowing enough to not lose your money. Artists need to make money to make music.
Ray Parker Jr. is a musician and songwriter from Los Angeles. Parker talks about his childhood and how he discovered the difference between popular and unpopular. The difference lies in what the rest of the world thinks. He also covers why most artists lack confidence. They are afraid to put themselves out there because they are selling their heart. However, Parker points out that it is necessary to experience rejection. He explains that fear can be overcome by thinking about past great performances and being mentally prepared. Also in this segment, Parker talks about how he rose to the top by simply holding ground.
Ray Parker Jr. is a musician and songwriter from Los Angeles. Parker talks about the amount of exposure artists receive from having their songs in films, the demands of writing music with specific themes, and his experience writing the theme song for the Ghostbusters film.
Ray Parker Jr. is a musician and songwriter from Los Angeles. Parker talks about the new music market. He covers the prominence of rap in today's music industry and its effect on older artists. Parker also discusses how he isn't trying to be mainstream on his new album. Instead, he focuses on reaching a specific audience like Prince and Paul McCartney have done. Also in this segment, Parker explains the significance of independents. Today, no one cares what label an artist is on. The importance of promotional materials is covered as well. Parker shares his promotion plans, including a late night television infomercial like Ace Cannon.
Ray Parker Jr. is a musician and songwriter from Los Angeles. Parker talks about how he entered the music business, his connection with The Funk Brothers and Stevie Wonder, what's important as a musician, why he started producing and engineering, his process of recording and writing, the upside and downside of music technology, and why songwriting is his favorite.
