Biography for
Joe Hunter (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

19 November 1927, Jackson, Tennessee, USA

Date of Death

2 February 2007, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Birth Name

Joseph Edward Hunter

Spouse

Mabel Miller

(1957 - 2 February 2007) (his death) 2 children

Trivia

Began his career in the 1950s, as a pianist for Jackie Wilson and also Hank Ballard and the Midnighters.

Credited with the Funk Brothers for creating the "Motown Sound".

Had returned from a European tour with fellow Funk Brother Jack Ashford, just a few days prior to his death.

Joe and the rest of the Funk Brothers were awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2004.

Known for his versatility in piano performance.

Motown's very first Funk Brother, hired by Berry Gordy to back-up Smokey Robinson & The Miracles on piano.

Moved to Detroit at the age of 12.

Played piano at the Troy, Michigan, Mariott Hotel for years.

Survived by his son, Joe Hunter, Jr., his daughter, Michelle, and 3 grandchildren.

Three-time Grammy award winner.

"The Funk Brothers" played on more number one hits that The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley, combined!.

Joe Hunter was one of Berry Gordy's amazing group of musicians hired to back Motown's recording stars during the 1950s and 60s. Mr. Hunter was the first musician hired by Berry Gordy. These back-up musicians became known as "The Funk Brothers.".

In 2004 he and the other Funk Brothers were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.