The Jazz Organ Scene

USA

Joe Hunter Joe (*1927 in Jackson, TN) was an organist and pianist. He started playing piano at an early age. At age 11, the family moved to Detroit. He was drafted into the army where he played in the jazz band alongside pianist Dwike Mitchell and drummer Elvin Jones. Hunter was influenced by the music of Art Tatum, Sergej Rachmaninoff, and Nat King Cole. After the service, he performed in Detroit jazz clubs and toured with The Midnighters.   In 1958 he was recruited by Motown Records, at the time a newly founded label. He led the record label's studio band, The Funk Brothers, and was instrumental in recruiting many of its musicians, such as James Jamerson and later Earl Van Dyke. During his tenure at Motown he performed on many of the label's hits such as "Pride and Joy" by Marvin Gaye, "Heat Wave" and "Come and Get These Memories" by Martha and the Vandellas, "Do You Love Me" by The Contours, and "Way Over There" and "Shop Around" by The Miracles.   He left Motown in 1964 and pursued a career as a freelance arranger and musician. Although his time with Motown and Funk Brothers was short, his keyboard playing was integral to the "Motown Sound". He left a lasting impression on future Motown session musicians and artists such as Stevie Wonder.   After Motown, he continued to produce and arrange for various artists. He worked with record labels Golden World and Fortune and artists Bobby "Blue" Bland, Junior Parker, Edwin Starr, Jimmy Ruffin and others. He was involved with Pied Piper Productions, and he was affiliated with artists Dennis Edwards, The Hesitations, Freddy Butler and John Lee Hooker.   From 2002 to 2007 several of the surviving Funk Brothers, including Joe, toured as a musical group. Hunter continued to perform as a musician in the Detroit area. He died in 2007.   from Wikipedia

	n/a
	n/a

Back
 
If you don't see the left hand menu,
please go back to the homepage.
Back to the homepage