[Deathwatch] Johnny Griffith, musician, 66

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

Motown Musician Johnny Griffith Dies at 66

DETROIT (Reuters) - Johnny Griffith, a classically trained musician who
played keyboards on many Motown hits of the 1960s, died on Sunday at
age 66, his publicist said.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Griffith, a member of the Funk Brothers, played on such hits as the
Supremes' "Stop in the Name of Love" and Marvin Gaye's "I Heard it
through the Grapevine."

He also toured with artists including Aretha Franklin, Sarah Vaughn and
Dinah Washington.

"Johnny was a superior musician and incredibly fluid on his
instrument," the Funk Brothers said in a statement. "He was a large
contributor to the Motown sound and to the group of musicians proudly
known as the Funk Brothers.

Artists who defined the Motown sound of the 1960s, which fused gospel,
soul and pop, included Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Four
Tops.

Griffith had just appeared with the Funk Brothers on Thursday night at
the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The performance was part of the premiere
for the launch of "Standing in the Shadows of Motown," a new film that
recognizes the achievements of the Funk Brothers.

Griffith is survived by his wife, Delma Reid Griffith, and three
children: Jonathan Jr., Beth and Rhonda. He is also survived by two
step sons, Roman and Charlie Reid III, and two grandchildren, Ronnie
and Shaynae.

According to the www.allmusic.com Web site, Griffith also played on hit
songs including Jackie Wilson's "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher
and Higher" and the Chi-Lites' "Have You Seen Her," among many others.