Ray Erskine Parker Jr. was born on May 1, 1954, in the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan, to loving parents Venolia Parker and Ray Parker Sr. He is the eldest of three siblings, with younger brother Opelton and sister Barbara bringing joy and companionship to his life from a young age. Parker's early fascination with the world of music was ignited by his remarkable music teacher, Afred T Kirby, who recognized his innate talent and encouraged him to take up the clarinet at the tender age of six. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for music that would shape his future. As he grew, Parker attended Angel Elementary School, where he developed a strong foundation for his educational journey. Later, in the 10th grade, he transferred to the esteemed Cass Technical High School, where he continued to nurture his musical abilities and lay the groundwork for his future success.
Parker, a proud alumnus of the esteemed Northwestern High School, class of 1971, hails from the vibrant and historic Dexter-Grand Boulevard neighborhood on the West Side of Detroit, where he spent his formative years. With a strong foundation in education, Parker furthered his academic pursuits at the reputable Lawrence Institute of Technology, where he honed his skills and knowledge in preparation for his future endeavors.
Parker's remarkable journey to fame began in the late 1960s, when he garnered widespread recognition as a talented musician, landing a coveted spot as a member of Bohannon's esteemed house band at the iconic 20 Grand nightclub, a renowned hotspot that frequently featured an impressive array of Tamla/Motown acts.
As a valued member of this esteemed ensemble, Parker's exceptional skills caught the attention of the esteemed Detroit Spinners, who subsequently invited him to join their touring group, providing him with a unique opportunity to hone his craft and expand his musical horizons.
This fortuitous connection ultimately led to Parker's debut as a recording artist at the tender age of 16, when he collaborated with the legendary Marvin Gaye to co-write and record his first songs, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would span decades to come.
Parker's early career as a teenager was marked by his work as a studio musician for the renowned Invictus/Hot Wax stable, helmed by the legendary songwriting and production trio Holland-Dozier-Holland. It was during this period that his distinctive "choppy" playing style came to the forefront, significantly contributing to the success of "Want Ads," a chart-topping single for the soulful trio Honey Cone. Furthermore, Parker's talents were also showcased on Lamont Dozier's debut two albums for ABC Records, cementing his reputation as a versatile and skilled musician.
Parker's professional journey took a significant turn in the year 1972, as he accepted a guest guitarist role on the renowned funk song "Maybe Your Baby", which was part of Stevie Wonder's critically acclaimed album Talking Book. This opportunity marked a pivotal moment in Parker's career, ultimately leading to a permanent relocation to the vibrant city of Los Angeles.
As his profile continued to rise, Parker also had the esteemed honor of serving as the lead guitarist for the incomparable Stevie Wonder when Wonder opened for the iconic Rolling Stones on their 1972 tour.
Parker's professional journey began in 1973 when he secured a coveted position within the renowned Love Unlimited Orchestra, led by the illustrious Barry White. This esteemed musical ensemble provided Parker with a platform to hone his craft and collaborate with other talented musicians.
In addition to his work with the orchestra, Parker also made a notable appearance in the 1974 film Uptown Saturday Night, playing the role of a guitar player in a pivotal scene set within a church. This brief but memorable cameo allowed Parker to showcase his skills to a wider audience and further establish himself as a versatile and accomplished musician.
As a prolific songwriter, Parker has had the distinction of penning melodies and lyrics for a diverse array of esteemed artists, including the legendary duo the Carpenters, the incomparable comedian and entertainer Bill Cosby, the iconic R&B group Rufus and the incomparable Chaka Khan, the legendary Supremes, the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, the talented Deniece Williams, the soulful Bill Withers, the talented Michael Henderson, the renowned jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, the soulful Leon Haywood, the legendary Motown group the Temptations, the blues-rock guitarist Boz Scaggs, the accomplished producer and musician David Foster, the funk and soul group Rhythm Heritage, the legendary R&B group Gladys Knight & the Pips, the renowned jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, the iconic rock and pop artist Tina Turner, and the legendary Motown diva Diana Ross.
Parker's inaugural success as a writer manifested itself in the form of a song titled "You Got the Love", a collaborative effort with the renowned Chaka Khan, which was subsequently recorded by the iconic group Rufus. This chart-topping single, released in December 1974, achieved unparalleled success by reaching the coveted number one position on the R&B charts, while also ascending to the eleventh spot on the pop charts.
