Ray Parker Jr. Revisits His Spinners Hit "You Can't Change That" in Epic Epcot Show

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival was swinging on September 8, 2023 when legendary musician Ray Parker Jr. performed his smash "You Can't Change That" during a high-energy set at the America Gardens Theatre. But what many fans didn't know is that Parker originally wrote the track for R&B icons The Spinners before making it his own solo hit.
In the 1970s, Parker was an in-demand songwriter at Motown, penning funky dance tunes for artists like The Spinners. He crafted "You Can't Change That" specifically for the group's smooth harmonies and tight grooves. However, when he played them a demo, The Spinners felt it wasn't the right fit and passed on recording it.
Parker then took "You Can't Change That" and made it the title track of his Raydio album Rock On in 1979. The slinky funk number became a smash on its own.
Diehard Spinners fans in the audience surely recognized the lyrics, beat, and Parker's signature funky flair as echoes of his early songwriting era. When Parker called out "You can't change this!" the America Gardens Theatre felt as spirited as Hitsville's Studio A back in Motor City's heyday.
By the end, Parker had the whole park swinging through an electric finale complete with congratulatory pyrotechnics. The performance marked 40 years since "You Can't Change That" first hit airwaves and cemented Parker as a solo legend. But it all originated from his creative early days writing songs with The Spinners in mind.
Relive this unbelievable Epcot concert via the full video. From the wah-wah guitars to the singalong breakdowns, it shows how Parker's foundational work for The Spinners made "You Can't Change That" an immortal R&B classic. The night was full of soul power at the happiest place on Earth!

[@TheAkd89]

A classic

[@havefuneverydaynow]

Thanks so much for the comment. Ray had an excellent set!

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

rubberband man was out late 1976 early 1977.

[@havefuneverydaynow]

Rubberband Man was likewise a great song... I got to hear the Spinners a few months before this and they were also great.Thanks for your comments.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

HIS BAND WAS CALLED RAYDIO NOT THE SPINNERS. THE SONG IS FROM FALL 1979.

[@havefuneverydaynow]

You're right! Ray explained how he initally wrote this for the Spinners but they decided not record it so he did.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

what happen to the original women who sang backup on this song? there was also a 3rd guy who sang parts on this too. what happened to him?

[@havefuneverydaynow]

Dunno but the song and set were still quite enjoyable. Thanks for the comment.

[@alpenglow4243]

I thought that his group Raydio did that song.

[@havefuneverydaynow]

I believe you're correct. Thanks for your comment.

[@MARKD1979]

You can't change that on RAYDIO's 2nd album ''Rock On'' in 1979 NOT IN 1982

[@havefuneverydaynow]

Thanks for the correction. I appreciate that.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

too much thumping bass but the song has a more somber sound which is a good refection of how the people who first heard this in 1979 feel now . life now feels like i've been through a war and lost. the good songs from the past and a small number of people l like and my dogs and animals keep me going now.

[@havefuneverydaynow]

Music and puppies definitely are a healing influence. Thanks for watching.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

the adjunct singer is the actual best singer and he should have fronted this song.

[@havefuneverydaynow]

You're right! He was awesome.

[@Sunflowergirl-b9b]

Old

[@havefuneverydaynow]

Thanks for your comment!

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

michael jackson and billy joel songs are old but their songs suck

[@JanBriggs-pb2oq]

Pitiful

[@havefuneverydaynow]

A matter of opinion and thanks for your comment.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

too much thumping bass but i like the somber melancholy sound.