[Vintage-Audio] RIP Joe Hunter

[Robert Nickels]

Since Duane tolerates the occasional discussion of those who made the 
music as well as the machines we listen to it on, I thought it would be 
appropriate to remember one of the unsung heros today.  We lost Joe 
Hunter, the original piano player for the Funk Brothers today, at age 
79.   Hunter was Motown legend Berry Gordy Jr.'s first employee and 
played on countless hit records, including "Heatwave", "Money", "Shop 
Around", and even "Boom Boom Boom Boom" with John Lee Hooker.  He and 
the Funks were the subject of the 2002 documentary "Standing in the 
Shadows of Motown" and they received a Lifetime Acheivement Grammy Award 
in 2004.

I found these comments written by Joe Hunter on the web, and thought it 
was worth sharing.  The Funk Brothers played on more hit records than 
the Beatles, Elvis, the Beach Boys and lots of others - - combined!  But 
far from being bitter or envious of others success - he remained a 
positive optimistic person to the end.

73, Bob W9RAN

Of the many subjects and professions that have interested me since early 
childhood; I obtained knowledge, substance and feelings that master 
musicians introduced in their works. People who choose music as their 
profession are blessed, if they can obtain a decent wage.

Any rhythmic sequences of pleasing sounds, such as the sounds of birds, 
water, etc. may be defined as music. A study in physics, the science 
dealing with matter and energy; also includes the study of sound.

Messages were sent to and fro by simple and rhythmical beats on drums: 
beats producing sounds having different rates of vibrato, sent messages 
along the Nile river before and after the ancient civilization of Nubia. 
Music is a common language for all folk.

The time has past for noisy loud sounds with negative lyrics: It is time 
for the dawn of Positive Sounds. Musicians must bear in mind that music 
is a science as well as an art. Webster defines music as "the art and 
science on combining vocal or instrumental sounds or tones in varying 
melody, harmony, rhythm and timbre, especially so as to form 
structurally complete and emotionally expressive compositions."

A musician is "a person skilled in music; especially, a professional 
performer of music". Fortune and fame was never the name of my game; but 
money sometimes helps in pulling a few strings."

Those who are said to learn only remember, and learning is recollection 
only". For "Knowing is the acquiring and retaining of knowledge and not 
forgetting". -- Socrates

My advice for anyone is: Seek to acquire true knowledge that you may 
share in making our world a better place to live. You must have the 
vision to see beyond obstacles - a negative condition. Don't go through 
life just dreaming: Wake Up! - Wise Up! - and Rise Up! - Right On!

I believe that God helps those who help themselves. I have enjoyed 
working with the musicians, singers and producers in the recording 
industries; mainly Motown Records - Hitsville. Entertainers who are 
privileged to perform before live audiences should always have their act 
together.

Let gratitude be your attitude. _/Focus on Positive Thinking./_

 Thank You,

*Joseph E. Hunter*

P.S.

The saying that impressed me the most was spoken by my English Teacher 
Mrs. Pembrook: "Say what your mean and mean what you say".