Henry Cosby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Cosby
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Cosby, early 1960s
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Henry R. Cosby |
| Also known as | Hank Cosby |
| Born | May 12, 1928 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | January 22, 2002 (aged 73) Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | Saxophonist, songwriter, arranger, producer |
| Instruments | Tenor saxophone |
| Years active | 1950s - 1970s |
| Labels | Motown |
| Associated acts | The Funk Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson |
Henry R. "Hank" Cosby (born May 12, 1928 – died January 22, 2002) was an American musician, songwriter, and producer. He was a very important part of Motown Records from its early days. Henry Cosby worked closely with famous artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Miracles. He helped create many hit songs, including three that reached number one in the U.S.
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Henry Cosby's Life and Music
Henry Cosby was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1928. When he was younger, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While in the army, he played the saxophone in the military band. He even played alongside a famous jazz saxophonist named Cannonball Adderley.
After leaving the army, Henry Cosby returned to Detroit. He joined a jazz band led by pianist Joe Hunter. Cosby played the tenor saxophone in jazz clubs and also on many records for different music companies in the city.
Joining Motown and The Funk Brothers
In 1959, a man named Berry Gordy started a new music company called Motown Records. He asked the Joe Hunter Band, including Henry Cosby, to join his company. These talented musicians became the core of Motown's studio band. They were later known as The Funk Brothers.
As a member of The Funk Brothers, Henry Cosby played saxophone on hundreds of Motown songs in the 1960s. For example, he played on Martha Reeves & the Vandellas' big hit song "Dancing in the Street" in 1964. At that time, Motown did not usually list the names of the studio musicians on their records. Besides his work at Motown, Cosby also played on John Lee Hooker's song "Boom Boom" in 1962.
Becoming a Hit Songwriter and Producer
Henry Cosby was not just a great saxophone player. He also showed Berry Gordy that he was very good at arranging music, producing songs, and writing them. He became a key partner for the young and talented Stevie Wonder.
Throughout the 1960s, Cosby worked with many Motown stars. He produced music for groups like The Supremes, The Temptations, Jr. Walker, and Edwin Starr. He is most famous for helping to write and produce many of Stevie Wonder's early hit songs. These hits include Wonder's first big success "Fingertips", "My Cherie Amour", "I Was Made to Love Her", "Uptight (Everything's Alright)", and "For Once in My Life".
Henry Cosby also helped write and produce "The Tears of a Clown" in 1968. This song became a number one hit in the U.S. for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. He also co-produced "Love Child" for Diana Ross & the Supremes, which also hit number one in 1968. It's important to know that Henry Cosby, the musician, was not related to the comedian Bill Cosby, even though they shared a last name.
After Motown Records moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s, Henry Cosby left the company. He continued to work as a producer for other record labels. He produced albums for artists like Martha Reeves and Blood, Sweat and Tears. In 1977, Cosby wrote and produced a song called "Be My Fortune Teller" for a group called 94 East. This song was one of the first recordings by the famous artist Prince.
Later Life and Legacy
Henry Cosby passed away at age 73 on January 22, 2002. He died at the William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, after complications from heart surgery. His name is honored on a special construction beam at the hospital.
In 2006, Henry Cosby was recognized for his amazing contributions to music. He was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame after his death, along with his frequent collaborator, Sylvia Moy.
