Earl Van Dyke
b. 1929, Detroit, Michigan, USA, d. 18 September 1992. Van Dyke, an accomplished keyboardist, was a session player with the Motown studios from 1961-71. In 1964 he replaced Choker Campbell as leader of Tamla/Motown's studio houseband. The new group, affectionately dubbed the Funk Brothers, also included James Jamerson (bass) and Benny Benjamin (drums), but was known formally as the Earl Van Dyke Six when touring in support of the label's vocal acts. For several years this unit was the bedrock of the Tamla/Motown sound, contributing to singles by the Supremes, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and Martha And The Vandellas, while their live appearances included Tamla's first, ground-breaking UK tour. However, Motown policy ensured their work remain uncredited on album sleeves and contemporary interviews. Viewed as a 'musician' rather than an 'artist', Van Dyke was obliged to use considerable persuasion to secure releases under his own name. That Motown Sound consisted of simple organ figures overdubbed upon the original rhythm tracks of recent hits and although subsequent recordings offered a jazz perspective, the potential of his unit was never fully exploited.