Who You Gonna Call?

Award-winning filmmaker Fran Strine takes us deep into the extraordinary life of the man behind the iconic hit song Ghostbusters in this captivating 2019 music documentary. With exclusive access from Ray Parker Jr., the film unveils a riveting narrative about overcoming immense challenges. Growing up in the segregated streets of Detroit during the tumultuous 1960s, Parker faced adversity head-on, navigating dangerous circumstances, including the violent 1967 riots and a harrowing experience with racial injustice as a teen.

Through sheer determination and a profound love for music, he practiced the guitar for as many as 12 hours a day, propelling him toward his dreams—ultimately leading to a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Grammy win, and even a nomination for the Best Song Oscar. This journey began when he met the legendary Marvin Gaye at just 15, which set the stage for his future achievements within Motown.

Long before Ghostbusters cemented his place in pop culture, Parker honed his craft while touring with legends like Stevie Wonder and [The Rolling Stones]. At the tender age of 18, he gained invaluable songwriting experience by contributing to Stevie Wonder’s album The Talking Book. His talent caught the attention of music icons, leading to connections with Chaka Khan, who recorded his first #1 hit, You Got the Love, and his friendship with Barry White, a collaboration that produced the equally popular song Always Thinking of You.

As a prolific songwriter and session musician, Parker worked alongside the industry’s greatest, including Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, and many others. His remarkable skills did not go unnoticed; music mogul Clive Davis signed him to Arista Records, where he broke into the mainstream, achieving multi-platinum success and delivering a slew of chart-topping hits throughout the 1970s and 80s.

In this film, Parker candidly shares his most personal memories, both triumphant and tragic, while collaborators like Clive Davis, David Foster, Herbie Hancock, and Boz Scaggs reflect on their experiences with him during performances and recordings. Notably, film producer Ivan Reitman, who was behind Ghostbusters, reveals how he persuaded Parker to craft the legendary theme song within a mere three-day deadline.

Despite his immense success with Ghostbusters, Parker’s broader contributions to music history remain largely overlooked by fans around the world. Who You Gonna Call shines a light on his lesser-known yet legendary career, proving that if you were an artist seeking a hit song in the 70s or 80s, Ray Parker Jr. was the name everyone turned to. This documentary invites you to hear his inspiring story in his own words, chronicling the incredible journey from the streets of Detroit to global recognition, illustrating the power of resilience and talent against all odds.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:08