Henry Cosby

An unsung cog within the Motown set up collection, Hank Cosby had not been just an exemplary saxophonist who used the initial incarnation from the label’s legendary studio room group, the Funk Brothers, but he also co-wrote such long lasting classics as Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” and Smokey Robinson & the Wonders’ “Tears of the Clown.” Given birth to May 12, 1928 in Detroit, Cosby offered within the U.S. Military through the Korean Battle, where he performed alongside jazz great Cannonball Adderley within the armed service music group. Upon his go back to the Engine City, he became a member of pianist Joe Hunter’s jazz combo, alongside bassist Wayne Jamerson, drummer Benny Benjamin, guitarist Larry Veeder and baritone saxophonist Mike Terry. A mainstay of Detroit’s golf club circuit through the past due 1950s, the group was also a reliable recording studio room presence so when Berry Gordy, Jr. released Motown in 1959, he appointed Hunter and team the label’s regular program band. Furthermore to his instrumental efforts, Cosby quickly demonstrated himself a gifted songwriter and maker. In 1962 he teamed with 11-year-old Small Stevie Question to writer “Fingertips,” along with a following live documenting cut at Detroit’s famed Fox Theatre released the prodigy’s groundbreaking profession. Cosby and Question teamed on a great many other hits within the years to check out, often in cooperation with Sylvia Moy. As well as the aforementioned “Uptight,” their credits consist of “I HAD BEEN Made to Like Her,” “My Cherie Amour,” and “Shoo Bee Doo Bee Da Day time.” Cosby also worked well in a variety of capacities using the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha & the Vandellas, Gladys Knight & the Pips, as well as the Temptations ahead of his exit from your offices of Motown in 1973, once the label relocated to LA. Following a series of center surgeries, he passed away January 22, 2002 at age 73.