The intriguing life and career of the multi-talented Ray Parker Jr. will be featured in a superb episode of “Unsung,” airing at 10 p.m., Monday, February 13, on TV One.

Described as “one of the baddest guitar players to ever hit this earth,” Ray Parker Jr. was sexy, devastatingly handsome and supremely talented as a musician, songwriter and producer. So what caused this young man, who seemed to have it all, to contemplate suicide? This and other questions will be explored and answered as “Unsung” delves into the life of the musical phenom, who was gigging with Motown’s famous Funk Brothers by the time he was 13 years old.

Refusing to work in Detroit’s auto industry as his father had before him, and turning his back on formal education in favor of a career in music, Parker became one of Motown’s most in-demand studio musicians, and was soon making $15,000 a month — more than his father made in a year. The proud and hardworking Ray Parker Sr. was so stunned that he accused his son of selling drugs.

“I wanted to be like my dad mentally, but I did not want to work like my dad when I grew up,” said Ray Jr.

Parker’s story is told by members of his group, Raydio, which he formed when he realized that he “couldn’t sing.” There is insightful testimony by Deniece Williams and Cheryl Lynn, both of whom benefited from Parker’s songwriting and production skills, and a highlight of the show is Chaka Khan’s a cappella version of “You Got the Love,” with Parker, her co-writer, accompanying her on guitar. There are also candid comments from music mogul Clive Davis who was at the helm of Arista Records when Parker’s musical gifts could no longer be ignored.

Parker, who even now rarely puts down his guitar, talks about the rise and fall of his career, including the drama surrounding “Ghostbusters.” The single went platinum in eight countries and won him the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1984.

While I don’t think that an artist who scored six consecutive gold records, eight platinum records and a Grammy can be considered “unsung,” this episode on the charismatic Ray Parker Jr. is riveting must-see TV nonetheless.

Contact entertainment reporter Kimberly C. Roberts at (215) 893-5753 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .