Eddie Willis, one of the first members of the legendary Motown backing band Funk Brothers, died on Aug. 20 at age 82 in his hometown of Mississippi from polio complications.
In 2003 at the 45th GRAMMY Awards, Willis, along with the Funk Brothers, emerged into the spotlight as the movie they were featured in, Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, won Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media. That same year, their track "What's Going On" sung by Chaka Khan won Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.
<iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/--1Rbo3EWhM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
"As a member of the Funk Brothers, Eddie Willis helped create some of the most distinguished soul music to hit the charts," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "His guitar playing was heard worldwide on countless Motown Records classics, including the Marvelettes' 'Please Mr. Postman' and Stevie Wonder's 'I Was Made To Love Her.' …Willis will be remembered as a highly regarded session player who helped craft the signature Motown Sound. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time."
<iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z9NqNhn8ARA" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
In 2004 the Funk Brothers received the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their prolific accomplishments behind the scenes.
