(September 13, 2017) As a member of Motown's in-house studio band, The Funk Brothers, guitarist Eddie Willis was part of the hit machine that recorded more #1 songs than the Beatles, Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, and Elvis combined. However, as a contracted session player, Willis does not see royalties from these countless hits by artists including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Four Tops, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, and more.
Recently, Eddie's wife was the victim of a dog attack that left her with several broken bones and needing reconstructive surgeries. Eddie himself has struggled his whole life with the effects of Polio, and a new live album is intended to help raise funds for the legendary guitarist.
Recorded live in Detroit in 2013 at a concert spearheaded by former Four Tops Musical Director, Drew Schultz, the Tribute To Funk Brother Eddie Willis album consists of on-stage renditions of iconic hits recorded at Motown, lesser known instrumental songs that the Funk Brothers were a part of, and speeches by those who worked, recorded, and toured with these game changing musicians. The band is a combination of Drew's group, The Funk Machine, and musicians who toured with The Funk Brothers after the release of their award winning documentary Standing In The Shadows Of Motown. Special guests on the album include Motown session guitarist and solo artist Dennis Coffey, Motown recording artist Carolyn Crawford, Northern Soul legend Spyder Turner, Motown arranger Paul Riser, Motown engineer Ed Wolfrum, Funk Brothers protégé bassist Ralphe Armstrong, Eddie Willis himself, and more.
All money made from this release (after royalties paid to original rights holders) go directly to Eddie and his wife.
We are proud to support this project and to present the WORLD PREMIERE of a terrific performance of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” featuring Carolyn Crawford and Treaty Womack. Check it out, and then purchase this terrific tribute album for yourself!
WORLD PREMIERE!
Tribute to Funk Brother Eddie Willis
feat. Carolyn Crawford and Treaty Womack
“Signed Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”
