High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Joseph Edward Hunter (November 19, 1927 February 2, 2007) Born in Jackson, Tennessee was an African-American musician, known for his recording session work as a pianist in Motown Records' in-house studio band, the Funk Brothers. One of the original Funk Brothers, Hunter served as band director for the band from 1959 until 1964, when he left Motown and was replaced by Earl Van Dyke. He is a native of Jackson, Tennessee, USA. Though his time with the Funk Brothers was short, his unique style of piano playing was integral to the "Motown Sound" . Hunter left a lasting impression on future Motown session musicians, and artists such as Stevie Wonder. He also produced and arranged various soul tracks during the 60's. He was involved with Pied Piper Productions. Some artists that Joe can be affiliated with are The Metros, Dennis Edwards, The Hesitations, and Freddy Butler He is not to be confused with Texas pianist Ivory Joe Hunter, who died in1974.