Motown's 'The Funk Brothers' Get Walk Of Fame Star

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A star commemorating Motown's studio band the Funk Brothers has been unveiled in the sidewalk on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Thirteen members of the band, known for their background vocals and instruments on Motown chart-toppers, were named as official star honorees by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Leron Gubler.

Many of the Funk Brothers have died, but Eddie Willis and Jack Ashford were on hand for the ceremony. Stevie Wonder, a contingent of Motown figures and fans also attended Thursday's event in California.

An emotional Willis told the crowd that the Funk Brothers were "looking down" on the ceremony.

Last month, a call went out to Funk Brothers fans requesting donations to help surviving members to travel to the event. According to The Detroit News, a number of the deceased Funk Brothers were represented by family members.

The Detroit Free Press said the Funk Brothers were awarded the 2,493rd star on the 18-block Walk of Fame.

Often uncredited, the Funk Brothers played on Motown hits including  "My Girl," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Baby Love," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave."

MORE: Motown's 'Funk Brothers' Record Song For President Obama

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