I'll have to mention also Johnny Griffith, pianist, who just passed on
yesterday -
http://bassland.net/johnnygriffith.jpg
LEGENDARY MUSICIAN JOHNNY GRIFFITH OF MOTOWN'S FUNK BROTHERS DIES AT THE
AGE OF 66
At the request of the Funk Brothers we make the following announcement:
DETROIT, November 10, 2002 ? Pioneering keyboard player Johnny Griffith of
the Funk Brothers, the band that created the music of the Motown sound,
died on Sunday, November 10, 2002. He was 66 years old.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Griffith was one of the few classically trained
musicians who played at Motown. In his early years, Johnny toured with
Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington and Aretha Franklin. Johnny's contributions
to music history can be heard on such songs as "Stop In The Name Of Love,"
"Wonderful One," and Marvin Gaye's "Heard It Through The Grapevine."
The Funk Brothers respectfully noted, "Johnny was a superior musician and
incredibly fluid on his instrument. He was a large contributor to the
Motown sound and to the group of musicians proudly known as the Funk
Brothers." Griffith marked a dream come true this past Thursday night by
appearing with the band during their performance at the legendary Apollo
Theatre in Harlem. The performance was part of the premiere for the launch
of Standing in the Shadows of Motown, a new film that recognizes the
achievements of the Funk Brothers.
Griffith is survived by his wife, Delma Reid Griffith, and three children,
Jonathan Jr., Beth and Rhonda. He is also survived by two step sons, Roman
and Charlie Reid III, and two grandchildren, Ronnie and Shaynae.
The Funk Brothers are the group of musicians the helped to create and
define the music of Motown. Their work can be heard on hits from such
performers as Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye,
The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and many
others. The Funk's vital influence on music remains to this day, with these
musicians having played on more number one records then The Beatles, The
Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley combined.
"Rob Theakston"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
<[email protected]>
com> cc:
Subject: RE: (313) Standing in
the Shadows of Motown
11/11/02 03:07 PM
second that. it's a brilliantly done movie and a chance to get some serious
education about the history of Detroit music.
i could have done without joan osborne personally, but it was amazing to
see
what became of everyone after all these years.
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2002 4:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: (313) Standing in the Shadows of Motown
Just went to a screening of this on Saturday and it's fantastic.
It's about the The Funk Brothers- the secret behind the Motown sound
A chance to learn about some artists who for most of their lives received
little to no recognition for records that were huge hits
One scene shows them putting a tune ("[Love is like a] Heat Wave") together
for Joan Osborne - instrument by instrument. Very cool!
Each and every musician has their chance in this movie - living or dead.
It's about time a film like this was made.
R.I.P. Richard "Pistol" Allen, drummer for the Funk Brothers, who died this
year
"Pistol was the drummer on most of Holland-Dozier-Holland's hit productions
of the '60s"
http://www.standingintheshadowsofmotown.com/
MEK
