Another Funk Brother passed - Joe Messina RIP

[Blackpoolsoul]

Jack Ashford reported earlier the sad passing of Joe Messina.

"Joe Messina, one of the star guitarists on the front line of Motown’s studio band, the Funk Brothers, died early Monday at his son Joel Messina’s Northville home, his son confirmed. He died of natural causes at 93.

Along with the other Funk Brothers, Messina won two Grammys in 2003 for the soundtrack to the documentary “Standing in the Shadows of Motown.” A year later, the Recording Academy gave him and the Funks a Lifetime Achievement Award."

Dubbed the "white brother with soul", In 1958, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy recruited Messina for his Hitsville U.S.A. studio musicians group. In the 1960s and early 1970s, they recorded the instrumentals for hundreds of Motown hit records. During this time, Messina worked with performers such as Diana Ross & the Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Among Messina's most notable performances are his turns on hits such as "Dancing in the Street" (Martha & the Vandellas, 1964), "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" (Four Tops, 1965), and "Your Precious Love" (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, 1967).

https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2022/04/04/joe-messina-motown-guitarist-and-member-funk-brothers-has-died-age-93/7271120001/

[David Meikle]

A VIP and a gentleman.

RIP Joe

[Wilxy]

RIP Sir......

[Tomangoes]

Very Sad. RIP the white brother of soul.

So glad I visited the snake pit where it all happened.

Ed

 

[Whiskyagogo]

RIP & thank you