Johnny Griffith (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Griffith
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Ellis Griffith Jr. |
| Born | July 10, 1936 Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Died | November 10, 2002 (aged 66) Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Session musician |
| Instruments | Keyboards |
| Labels | Motown |
| Associated acts | The Funk Brothers |
John Ellis Griffith Jr. (born July 10, 1936 – died November 10, 2002) was an amazing American musician. He was best known for playing keyboards for Motown Records. He helped create the famous "Motown Sound."
A Musical Journey
Johnny Griffith was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was a very talented musician. He played keyboards for Motown Records. Motown had its own special group of musicians. They were called The Funk Brothers. This group played on almost all of Motown's hit songs.
Johnny Griffith played on hundreds of Motown recordings. He played the electric piano on "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. He also played on "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations. You can hear his organ playing on "Stop! In the Name of Love" by The Supremes. He also played on "Shotgun" by Junior Walker & the All Stars.
The Funk Brothers also played on songs for other record labels. Johnny Griffith helped create hits like "Cool Jerk" by The Capitols. He also played on "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson.
Instruments Johnny Played
Johnny Griffith was skilled with many keyboard instruments. He played the Steinway grand piano. He also played the Hammond B-3 organ. Other instruments he mastered were the Wurlitzer electric piano and the Fender Rhodes. He could even play the celeste and the harpsichord.
Johnny Griffith was inspired by other great musicians. Some of his musical heroes included Bud Powell, Glenn Gould, and Oscar Peterson.
Johnny Griffith passed away on November 10, 2002. He was 66 years old. He died from a heart attack in a Detroit hospital.
