Joe Messina

Joe Messina (December 13, 1928 – April 4, 2022) was an American guitarist. He was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was called the "white brother with soul". Messina was one of the most famous guitarists in Motown Records' in-house studio band, the Funk Brothers. He is known for being a member of The Funk Brothers.

Messina was the creator of an alternative music technique known as The Interval Study Method, which uses the chromatic and diatonic scales to create music.

Messina worked with performers such as Diana Ross & the Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Among Messina's most notable performances are his turns on hits such as "Dancing in the Street" (Martha & the Vandellas, 1964), "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" (Four Tops, 1965), and "Your Precious Love" (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, 1967).

Messina died on April 4, 2022 at his son's home in Northville, Michigan at the age of 93.Joe Messina, Motown guitarist and a member of the Funk Brothers, has died at age 93, detroitnews.com; accessed April 4, 2022.

References

Other websites
 Danny Wilson's tribute to Joe Messina 
 Joe Messina offers a personal message and interview

Category:1928 births
Category:2022 deaths
Category:American guitarists
Category:American soul musicians
Category:Musicians from Detroit