Post by Jonel on Nov 11, 2002 9:07:21 GMT -5
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:
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Story Filed: Sunday, November 10, 2002 5:39 PM EST
DETROIT, Nov 10, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- 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.
More here: www.detnews.com/2002/obituaries/0211/11/a01-7345.htm
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Story Filed: Sunday, November 10, 2002 5:39 PM EST
DETROIT, Nov 10, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- 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.
More here: www.detnews.com/2002/obituaries/0211/11/a01-7345.htm