Ray Parker Jr. Ray Parker Jr. Ray Erskine Parker Jr. (born May 1, 1954) is an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor, best known for writing and performing the theme song to the 1984 movie "Ghostbusters", for his solo music, and for performing with his band, Raydio, and with Barry White. Parker was born in Detroit to Venolia Parker and Ray Parker Sr. He has two siblings, his brother Opelton and his sister Barbara. Parker attended Angel Elementary School where his music teacher, Afred T Kirby, inspired him to be a musician at age 6 playing the clarinet. Parker attended Cass Tech
1984 (song) from "The Man Who Sold the World" ("They'll split your pretty cranium and fill it full of air"). "1984"'s wah-wah guitar sound is often likened to the "Theme from "Shaft"" (1971) by Isaac Hayes. Played by Alan Parker, it was one of the few instances on the "Diamond Dogs" album where Bowie himself did not take the lead guitar part. The track's funk/soul influence has been cited as a clear indicator of where Bowie's style was headed on his next album, "Young Americans". "1984" was first recorded during the "Aladdin Sane" sessions. The song received its public debut, in a