Background
Hunter, Joe was born on November 19, 1927 in Jackson, Tennessee, United States. Son of John G. H. and Vada Idona (Dreke) G.
Hunter, Joe was born on November 19, 1927 in Jackson, Tennessee, United States. Son of John G. H. and Vada Idona (Dreke) G.
Student, Lane College, University Detroit, Detroit Institute of Technology Professional pianist, 1956—1959.
One of the original Funk Brothers, Hunter served as band director for the band from 1959 until 1964, when he left Motown and was replaced by Earl Van Dyke. Though his time with the Funk Brothers was short, his unique style of piano playing was integral to the "Motown Sound". Hunter left a lasting impression on future Motown session musicians, and artists such as Stevie Wonder.
He also produced and arranged various soul tracks during the 1960s.
He was involved with Pied Piper Productions. Some artists that Hunter can be affiliated with are The Metros, Dennis Edwards, The Hesitations, and Freddy Butler
Hunter"s influences include Art Tatum, Sergei Rachmaninov, and National King Cole.
Among the many records he performed the piano for are "Shop Around" by The Miracles (though the Gerald Posner book, Motown, credited Berry Gordy, Junior), "Do You Love Maine" by The Contours, and "Heat Wave" and "Come and Get These Memories" by Martha & the Vandellas. Joe Hunter died of natural causes on February 2, 2007, at the age of 79.
He was a full-time musician in the Detroit area at the time of his death.
He is not to be confused with the Texan pianist Ivory Joe Hunter, who died in 1974. Nor with the Motown producer and songwriter Ivy Jo Hunter.
Member of Detroit Federation Musicians, Member National Committee Recording Arts, Masons.
Married Mable Daisy Miller, June 15, 1957. Children: Joseph, Michelle Dana.