#NewYorkNotes @RecordingAcad #WhomWeMiss #WhomYouKnow RECORDING ACADEMY™ STATEMENT RE: EDDIE WILLIS AUG. 21, 2018
"As a member of the Funk Brothers, Eddie Willis helped create some of the most distinguished soul music to hit the charts. His guitar playing was heard worldwide on countless Motown Records classics, including the Marvelettes' 'Please Mr. Postman' and Stevie Wonder's I Was Made to Love Her.' With the Funk Brothers, he earned two GRAMMYs® at the 45th ceremony—Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for 'What's Going On' with Chaka Khan and Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for Standing In The Shadows Of Motown. In 2004, it was our privilege to recognize the Funk Brothers' incredible accomplishments with the Recording Academy™'s Lifetime Achievement Award. Willis will be remembered as a highly regarded session player who helped craft the signature Motown Sound. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time."
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Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy