Ray Parker Jr. is best known for his iconic theme song "Ghostbusters" for the 1984 film of the same name. Here are some interesting facts about Ray Parker Jr. and his association with the "Ghostbusters" theme:
Instant Hit: Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" theme song became an instant hit upon its release in 1984. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and remained there for three weeks.
Oscar Nomination: The song earned Ray Parker Jr. an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 1985. Although he didn't win, the song's popularity and recognition continued to grow.
Catchy Lyrics: The song's catchy chorus with the line "Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!" quickly became an iconic part of pop culture and is instantly recognizable to this day.
Lawsuit: Despite its success, the song was subject to a lawsuit by Huey Lewis and the News, who claimed that it was too similar to their own hit song "I Want a New Drug." The two parties eventually settled out of court.
Iconic Music Video: The music video for "Ghostbusters" featured appearances by various celebrities of the time, including Chevy Chase, John Candy, and Danny DeVito, along with the film's cast.
The Ghostbusters Cameo: Ray Parker Jr. himself made a cameo appearance in the "Ghostbusters" film during a scene where he is seen singing the song on a television screen.
Award-Winning Career: Ray Parker Jr. has had a successful career beyond "Ghostbusters." He has won several Grammy Awards and has worked with many other notable artists, including Stevie Wonder, Barry White, and Aretha Franklin.
Studio Musician Background: Before launching his solo career, Ray Parker Jr. was a highly sought-after studio musician. He played guitar for various artists and bands, contributing to many famous tracks.
"Jack and Jill": Ray Parker Jr.'s hit single "Jack and Jill" reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978, establishing him as a solo artist before the "Ghostbusters" theme.
Ongoing Legacy: Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" theme continues to be popular, especially around Halloween, and is frequently featured in various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and commercials, keeping the legacy of the song alive.
Ray Parker Jr. and his "Ghostbusters" theme song remain an integral part of music and movie history, with the song's enduring popularity cementing his place in pop culture.