For many people, the smash hit song Ghostbusters, is part of the soundtrack for the 1980’s and thanks to that song, Ray Parker Jnr. occupies a very well deserved seat at 80’s pop culture table. Understandably he really needs no introduction. But as well known as Ray is as the solo artist responsible for one of the biggest pop songs in history, in many ways, a proper introduction is exactly what he deserves. .Ray Parker, Jr. was born on May 1st, 1954 and grew up in Detroit, Michigan..And long before anyone had ever considered calling anyone, Ray enjoyed a stellar career. He started out as a teenage session guitarist playing behind the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, the Spinners, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and other famous Motown acts. In 1972, Stevie Wonder called Parker to ask him to play behind him on a tour that he was doing with the Rolling Stones. Funnily enough, Ray thought it was a prank call and hung up the phone. Stevie called back and only convinced Ray that he was the real deal when he sang "Superstition" to him. At the time, Ray was just 18years old!.Work with Barry White followed as did his own band, Ray Parker Jnr. And Raydio. It too was a runaway success. The first record with the band went gold, peaking at number eight in spring 1978 fuelled by the hit singles, "Jack and Jill” and "Honey I'm Rich." The hits continued with "You Can't Change That”, "Two Places at the Same Time” and all this was followed by a number one gold record A Woman Needs Love in 1981. .A solo carer followed, with more hit singles, more gold records and most importantly, as far as this podcast is concerned, even more collaborations. .The story of Ray Parker Jr. is amazing and fascinating. And the music he made is really only a small part - for instance Ray was also experienced first hand, and fortunately escaped, the violence of the 1967 Detroit riots. He is also one of the most prolific session guitarists, songwriters and stars of a generation, playing on hundreds of hit songs and classic tunes..And right now, thanks to our second guest, Film Director and Barnraisers alum Fran Strine, Ray's story is all set to be captured on the silver screen. Of Course long time listeners might recall Fran from Episode 3, when I caught up with him to talk about Hired Gun, the documentary that has now taken Netflix, and the world, by storm!.As you’d expect, it’s been quite the ride and Fran has not surprisingly handled it in his stride, cool as ever and ever mindful of the importance and value of running a project with only the most committed and cohesive team he can find..Ray Parker is without doubt one of the most experienced and successful collaborators, and team players on the planet - just don’t tell him that - he’s still not quite down with that just yet! .Together though, these two guys make quite the dynamic duo. They are the collaboration kings!.Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to let loose Ray Parker Jnr. And Fran Strine. .Always looking up..Dan