Posted on 03/17/2013 10:29:26 AM PDT by nickcarraway
The amazing Funk Brothers, the Motown group that played on almost every one of the classic hits from the label during the 1960's, will get a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame on March 21.
Getting that star wasn't easy. While they must be nominated and then chosen for the honor by the board for the Walk, each recipient is also required to pay a $25,000 fee that goes towards the upkeep of the star and the walk over time. A campaign was put together by Los Angeles car dealer Stu Miller five years ago to raise the needed money. It took a few big donations from the likes of Paul Shaffer, Valarie Simpson and Ray Parker, Jr. to put the fund over the top by the deadline for this year.
While many of the members of the group are now gone, guitarist Eddie Willis and percussionist Jack Ashford are planning to attend with the possibility that guitarist Joe Messina may also make the trip. Also attending will be family members for those who have passed away including James Jamerson, Jr. and the wives of Uriel Jones and Bob Babbitt.
The Funk Brothers, in effect, had more hits than any other artist during the 60's and early 70's with the number of songs on which they played. While the casual music fan was not familiar with the name, their popularity began to skyrocket after the releases of the superb documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown from 2002. Two years later they received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy from the recording academy after a campaign also led by Miller.
Read more: http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2013/03/the-funk-brothers-getting-star-on.html#ixzz2NoqoqMln
THE driving force behind most of the Motown hits. Don’t forget Steve Cropper. White guy with SOUL and a great guitar player. Still playing today. Clapton’s Crossroads festival for one. Think “The Blues Brothers”.
About dang time. Go Funk Bros.
Nice to see the studio guys get some recognition. The Werecking Crew (West Coast session guys including Glen Campbell) and Booker T and the MGs (Stax house band) have also gotten some love the last few years.
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