Eddie “Chank” Willis

Actor

Eddie “Chank” Willis image

Eddie "Chank" Willis was not primarily known as an actor or director, but rather as a highly influential American guitarist and a member of the legendary Motown session band, The Funk Brothers. Willis played a significant role in shaping the sound of numerous Motown hits throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. His work can be heard on classics such as "Heat Wave" by Martha and the Vandellas, "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by The Temptations, and "I Was Made to Love Her" by Stevie Wonder. The Funk Brothers received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, recognizing their immeasurable contributions to popular music.

Films on Sooner

  • Standing in the Shadows of Motown

    2002

    103 mins

    Documentary, Music, Dance, Theater

    The story of the mythical soul record label that put such legendary artists as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye on the map.