Ray Parker Jr. is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor who achieved international fame by writing and performing the iconic theme song for the 1984 blockbuster film Ghostbusters. Born Ray Erskine Parker Jr. on May 1, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, he was raised in a musical household by his father Ray Parker Sr. and mother Venolia Parker. His early exposure to the vibrant Detroit music scene laid the foundation for a career that would span several decades and multiple genres, from R&B to pop and film scores.

Parker’s professional journey began in his teenage years when he started playing guitar and quickly became a sought-after session musician. He worked extensively with Barry White, performing as a member of the Love Unlimited Orchestra, a group that provided lush, orchestral backing for White’s soulful hits. This collaboration honed Parker’s skills as a guitarist and arranger, and he soon transitioned into leading his own band, Raydio. With Raydio, Parker scored a series of successful R&B and pop singles in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including the top-ten hit “Jack and Jill” and the smooth, soulful “You Can’t Change That.” As a solo artist, he achieved a top-five hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1982 with “The Other Woman,” a song that showcased his knack for crafting catchy, melodic pop-soul.

Parker’s career-defining moment came in 1984 when he was commissioned to create the theme song for Ghostbusters, a comedy starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis. The song, simply titled “Ghostbusters,” became a global phenomenon, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Parker an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The track’s infectious, minimalist groove and iconic chorus—complete with the memorable line “Who ya gonna call?”—cemented its place in pop culture history. Parker also contributed sound effects to the animated spin-off series The Real Ghostbusters, further solidifying his connection to the franchise. The song’s success, however, led to a high-profile lawsuit from Huey Lewis and the News, who claimed it bore similarities to their hit “I Want a New Drug.” The case was eventually settled out of court.

Beyond his work on Ghostbusters, Parker continued to write and produce for other artists, including contributions to soundtracks and collaborations with acts like The Pointer Sisters and Chaka Khan. He also ventured into acting, making cameo appearances in television and film. In his personal life, Parker married Elaine Parker in 1994, and the couple has remained together ever since. In the 2000s and 2010s, Parker experienced a resurgence in popularity as “Ghostbusters” continued to be celebrated in new generations, leading to live performances and appearances at nostalgia-themed events. He has also participated in documentaries and interviews reflecting on his legacy. Today, Ray Parker Jr. remains an influential figure in popular music, remembered not just for one of the most recognizable theme songs in movie history, but also for his substantial contributions to R&B and pop during the late 20th century.