- Began his career in the 1950s, as a pianist for Jackie Wilson and also Hank Ballard & The Midnighters.
- Credited, along with The Funk Brothers., for creating the "Motown Sound".
- Had returned from a European tour with fellow The Funk Brothers member Jack Ashford , just a few days prior to his death.
- He and the rest of The Funk Brothers were awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2004.
- Known for his versatility in piano performance.
- Motown's very first Funk Brother, hired by Berry Gordy to back-up Smokey Robinson & The Miracles on piano.
- Moved to Detroit at the age of 12.
- Played piano at the Troy (MI) Marriott Hotel for years.
- Survived by his son, Joe Hunter, Jr., his daughter, Michelle, and three grandchildren.
- Three-time Grammy award winner.
- The Funk Brothers played on more #1 hits than The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley, combined!.
- Was one of Berry Gordy's amazing group of musicians hired to back Motown's recording stars during the 1950s and '60s. He was the first musician hired by Berry Gordy. These back-up musicians became known as The Funk Brothers ].
- In 2004 he and the other The Funk Brothers were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
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