Post by 1finemrg on Apr 12, 2022 5:03:47 GMT -5
Legendary Funk Brothers guitarist Joe Messina passed away April 4 at the age of 93. He had been battling kidney disease for several years according to his son Joel.
Joe's early history included playing on the Detroit jazz circuit during the 40s and being a member of the ABC Television studio band. He played on the Soupy Sales Show alongside guests Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.
He joined the Hitsville USA studio band in 1958 after being recruited by Berry Gordy. They became known as the Funk Brothers, working with the entire Motown roster through the 60s and early 70s. His tenure ended when Motown moved their operations to Los Angeles in 1972. Upon ending his time with Motown, Joe lost interest in playing guitar for 30 years and took up harmonica. After being featured in the documentary "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown", he resumed his guitar playing often holding jazz jam sessions at his house and gigging at local clubs.
He was an entrepreneur, successfully running a jewelry store and a couple of car washes after his Motown stint.
Joe's wife, Josie, died in 2009. Survivors include two children; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Obituary
Joe's early history included playing on the Detroit jazz circuit during the 40s and being a member of the ABC Television studio band. He played on the Soupy Sales Show alongside guests Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.
He joined the Hitsville USA studio band in 1958 after being recruited by Berry Gordy. They became known as the Funk Brothers, working with the entire Motown roster through the 60s and early 70s. His tenure ended when Motown moved their operations to Los Angeles in 1972. Upon ending his time with Motown, Joe lost interest in playing guitar for 30 years and took up harmonica. After being featured in the documentary "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown", he resumed his guitar playing often holding jazz jam sessions at his house and gigging at local clubs.
He was an entrepreneur, successfully running a jewelry store and a couple of car washes after his Motown stint.
Joe's wife, Josie, died in 2009. Survivors include two children; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Obituary
