Ivy Jo Hunter facts for kids

George Ivy Hunter (born August 28, 1940 – died October 6, 2022) was an American songwriter, record producer, and singer. He was known as Ivy Jo Hunter. He is most famous for his work with Motown Records in the 1960s. He helped create many popular R&B songs.

Early Life and Motown Beginnings

Ivy Jo Hunter grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He learned to play orchestral music, especially the trumpet and keyboards. After serving in the United States Army, Hunter started singing in music clubs around Detroit. There, he became friends with songwriter Hank Cosby.

Hank Cosby introduced Ivy Jo to William "Mickey" Stevenson. Stevenson was a talent scout for Motown. Hunter first played keyboards during recording sessions at Motown. Soon, Stevenson began working with him as a songwriter. Ivy Jo became an important part of the Motown Records house band. He helped write some of Motown's earliest and biggest hits.

Hit Songs and Production Work

Ivy Jo Hunter wrote many famous songs for top Motown artists. He co-wrote the Martha and the Vandellas hit song "Dancing in the Street" with Marvin Gaye and Mickey Stevenson. This song became very popular in 1964.

He also wrote songs for other groups:

• The Spinners sang his songs "Truly Yours" and "Sweet Thing."
• The Temptations recorded "Sorry Is a Sorry Word."
• The Isley Brothers had hits with "Behind a Painted Smile" and "My Love Is Your Love (Forever)."
• The Four Tops sang "Ask the Lonely" and "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever."

Hunter also produced and wrote songs for other Motown artists. He worked with The Velvelettes on "That's a Funny Way." He helped The Contours with their 1964 hit, "Can You Jerk Like Me." He also produced songs for The Marvelettes, including "Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead" and "I'll Keep Holding On." He produced the Top 40 hit single "You" for Marvin Gaye in 1968.

Later Career and Legacy

Ivy Jo Hunter continued to write, produce, and perform music. He also worked as a session musician, playing instruments for recordings. He recorded many songs as a singer for Motown in the 1960s. However, his own music was not released until 1970. Motown put out his single "I Remember When (Dedicated to Beverly)." The next year, another single called "I'd Still Love You" was released. An album was planned but never came out. Soon after, he left Motown.

In 1970, he worked on the song "Mommy, What's A Funkadelic?" for the band Funkadelic. He also helped produce an album for Wee Gee (William Howard). Wee Gee was the former lead singer of The Dramatics. This album included the popular song "Hold On (To Your Dream)." This song is often played at graduation ceremonies.

In 2009, Ivy Jo Hunter took part in celebrations for Motown's 50th anniversary. He passed away on October 6, 2022, at the age of 82.