A TRIBUTE TO MY DAD, ONE OF THE LEGENDARY FUNK BROTHERSJohnny Griffith - One of the few classically trained musicians in the Funk Brothers ranks, Johnny was Hitsville's "hired gun," having never signed the exclusive recording contract under which most of Motown's rhythm section musicians worked. Originally lured into the company in 1961 hoping to record jazz, Johnny often moonlighted on hits for other R&B record labels around Detroit and in Chicago. While he did get the opportunity to record two albums on Motown's "Workshop Jazz" label, his true value down in "Studio "A" was in the delicate touch with which he played that so perfectly complimented Earl Van Dyke's "gorilla piano" style. This two keyboard approach had Earl and Johnny spending the next decade trading off on acoustic piano, Hammond organ, and Wurlitzer electric piano. In spite of of all the R&B hits Johnny played on, he still considered himself, first and foremost, a jazz musician.Born: Detroit, MI (died 2002 in Detroit)Musical Influences: Bud Powell, Glenn Gould, Oscar PetersonInstruments Played: : Steinway grand piano, Hammond B-3 organ, Wurlitzer electric piano, celeste, harpsichord, Fender RhodesGreatest Performances: "Wonderful One," "Stop In The Name Of Love," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" (Marvin Gaye Version), "What's Going On", "Shotgun", "Lonely Teardrops", "Cool Jerk", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", and "Dancin' in the Streets".Beth's life has been blessed with music since the beginning. Her home was always filled with music, thanks to her father, and her life continues to be. A graduate of Mumford High School, and under the leadership of Ms. D. Jackson (Thompson), Beth first began to love gospel music. Beth has had the opportunity to sing several genres of music, but prefers gospel because of its power and ministry to save lives. She credits and truly thanks her spiritual mother, Pastor and Prophetess Yolanda D. Tyson for helping her to clearly see God's vision and to walk in her calling of music ministry.Over the past few years, Beth has been blessed to work with wonderful Gospel and R&B artists in and around the Detroit Metropolitan area. One of her most memorable experiences was the experience to work with the late Ronald Winans in the Ronald Winans Family and Friends Choir and Country Music Superstar Kenny Rogers. In addition to Beth's love for music, she has done numerous television commercials, on camera and voice over.A very special relationship developed with Harmonie Park Music where a song and video was done to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. With the project, Beth was able to work with Ollie Woodson formally of the Temptations, lengendary arranger Paul Riser, legendary arranger/producer Johnny Allen(Shaft), Producer Michael J. Powell(Anita Baker/Aretha Franklin), Grammy Award winner Mark Pastoria and Brian Partoria and Mitch Albom. This project was a great success.In 2007, Beth was blessed to do background vocals on three songs for gospel superstar Yolanda Adams that was released in late 2007. Currently, Beth is a background vocalist with the world renowned songstress and multi-Grammy award winner Anita Baker. When not on tour, Beth is one of the lead vocalist in the Simone Vitale Band, and also a member of the band the Detroit Katz, founded by world renounded producer Michael J.Powell.Beth continues to work in her ministry believing God for what he has for her and only her at the appointed time.
