Eddie Willis

EddieWillisHWOFMar2013

Eddie Willis (June 3, 1936 – August 20, 2018) was an American guitarist and original member of the Motown Records studio band, known as The Funk Brothers. Born in Grenada, Mississippi, Willis was renowned for his distinctive guitar playing, which contributed to the signature sound of numerous Motown hits. He played on records for artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes, among others. Willis's guitar work was integral to the development of the Motown Sound, a style characterized by its upbeat tempo, complex arrangements, and soulful vocals.

Biography

Eddie Willis was born in Grenada, Mississippi, and moved to Detroit, Michigan, in the 1950s. He began his career as a musician playing in local clubs before being recruited by Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. As a member of The Funk Brothers, Willis contributed to Motown's success from the late 1950s through the early 1970s. His guitar playing featured on iconic tracks such as "The Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye, and "My Girl" by The Temptations.

Willis was known for his use of the muted guitar technique, which added a rhythmic, percussive sound to the music. This technique became a hallmark of the Motown Sound. Despite his contributions, Willis, like many of The Funk Brothers, did not receive widespread recognition until later in his career.

In 2002, Willis was featured in the documentary film Standing in the Shadows of Motown, which brought attention to the contributions of The Funk Brothers to the music industry. The film helped to highlight the often overlooked role that session musicians played in the success of many Motown hits.

Eddie Willis passed away on August 20, 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of the architects of the Motown Sound. His work continues to influence musicians and producers across various genres.

Legacy

Eddie Willis's contributions to music, particularly his work with Motown Records, have left an indelible mark on the sound of American popular music. His innovative guitar techniques and the unique sound he brought to The Funk Brothers helped to define an era of music that remains influential to this day. Willis and The Funk Brothers were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, recognizing their significant contributions to the music industry.

See Also

• The Funk Brothers
• Motown Records
• Berry Gordy
• Soul Music