Who Is Ray Parker Jr.? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ray Parker Jr. was born on May 1, 1954, making him 70 years old in 2025. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, and has made a significant mark on the musical landscape since his emergence in the late 1970s. Parker gained international fame with his hit single "Ghostbusters" which topped the charts in the 1980s. His extensive career spans decades, showcasing his talents not just as a musician, but also as a producer and songwriter.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1954 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ray Parker Jr.'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ray Parker Jr. stands tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm). His weight is reported to be around 180 pounds (82 kg). Throughout his career, Parker has maintained a fit physique, which many fans appreciate. While specific body measurements are not publicly disclosed, he is known for his charismatic stage presence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ray Parker Jr. has kept much of his personal life private. He has been previously linked to various relationships but is currently thought to be single. There have been speculations about possible romantic interests, but nothing has been confirmed. Parker is known to be a family-oriented individual, often speaking fondly about his upbringing and the influence of his family on his career.
Parker gained recognition during the late 1960s as a member of Bohannon's house band at the 20 Grand nightclub. This Detroit hotspot often featured Tamla/Motown acts, one of which, the (Detroit) Spinners, was so impressed by the young guitarist's skills that they added him to their touring group.
Through the Bohannon relationship, he recorded and co-wrote his first songs at age 16 with Marvin Gaye. Parker was also employed as a studio musician as a teenager for the emergent Holland-Dozier-Holland's Invictus/Hot Wax stable, and his "choppy" style was especially prominent on "Want Ads", a number one single for Honey Cone.
Parker was later enlisted by Lamont Dozier to appear on his first two albums for ABC Records.
Net Worth and Salary
Ray Parker Jr.'s net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth has been accumulated through a successful music career, which includes not only his performances and albums but also lucrative royalties from his songwriting, particularly from the iconic "Ghostbusters" theme song. Parker continues to perform and engage in various music-related ventures that contribute to his earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Ray Parker Jr.'s career began in the late 1970s, and he quickly rose to prominence in the 1980s. His most notable work includes not just "Ghostbusters," but also hits like "You Can't Change That" and collaborations with numerous artists across genres. In addition to his music career, Parker has ventured into business, utilizing his creative talents in various projects including music production and audio consulting.
Parker also invests in philanthropic endeavors, including music education programs aimed at empowering youth through the arts, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
Raydio broke up in 1981. Parker continued with his solo career, scoring eight Top 40 hits, including the hit single "The Other Woman" (Pop No. 4) in 1982 and "Ghostbusters" in 1984. "Ghostbusters" peaked at No. 1 for three weeks on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, and at No. 1 for two weeks on its Black Singles chart.
The song was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1984, but lost to Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You" from The Woman in Red. Parker's song secured him a 1984 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Other hits from this period included "I Still Can't Get Over Loving You" (Pop No.
12) and "Jamie" (Pop No. 14).
Social Network
Ray Parker Jr. is fairly active on social media platforms where he engages with fans and shares insights into his life and career. You can follow him on:
- Instagram: @RayParkerJr
- Twitter: @RayParkerJr
- Facebook: Ray Parker Jr. Official
Parker's first bona fide hit as a writer was "You Got the Love", co-written with Chaka Khan and recorded by Rufus. The single hit No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 11 on the pop charts in December 1974. Parker has stated that he was the original songwriter of Leo Sayer's 1976 hit "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing", but that when he submitted the tune as a demo, his accreditation as such was missed.
Education
Ray Parker Jr. pursued music from a young age, and while specific details about his formal education are sparse, his experiences in the vibrant Detroit music scene played a significant role in shaping his talents. He has always emphasized the importance of creativity and education in his career, often encouraging young musicians to pursue their passions diligently.
Ray Erskine Parker Jr. He attended Angel Elementary School where his music teacher, Alfred T. Kirby, inspired him to be a musician at age six playing the clarinet. He attended Cass Technical High School in the tenth grade.
