The Story Behind Original Funk Brother Eddie “Chank” Willis

Eddie “Chank” Willis, one of the hidden treasures of the Motown sound died a few weeks ago; we have so few Funk Brothers left. Eddie died at the age of 82. The Funk Brothers were the session musicians in most of the early Motown singles and LPs, beginning with Marv Johnson’s “Come to Me” in 1959, and songs from the Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

What makes the backstory of Eddie in particular so inspiring, is that he was a child in poor health growing gup, damaged by Polio, walking with a cane at a very early age. Eddie conquered the illness, becoming the driving force behind a music era. Eddie left the label but continued to work with contemporary artists like Phil Collins through his life. The next time you hear one of your favorite Motown songs, look the heavens and thank Eddie “Chank” Willis – we’re sure he’ll appreciate the thought.

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