Funk In The First Degree is saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Walter “Junie” Morison.The talented Singer, Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalist passed away on February 16th, 2017.

Junie came to the attention of the Funkisphere joining the Ohio Players in 1970 as their Lead Singer and Keyboard player on the Ohio Players hit single, “Pain”. His influence permeated through the group, to the point that  on the Players third release, “Ecstasy” Morrison received Arrangers credit. Morrison left the group after that release to embark on a short circuited solo career.  A car accident briefly sidelined him in the mid-70’s.

He shocked the Funk world by joining the Ohio Players former rival band Parliament-Funkadelic serving as their Keyboard player and Musical Director making major contributions to P-Funk’s  growth from 1978-1980. Morrison would later be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as a member of P-Funk.

Junie re-launched his solo career in the 80’s recording for CBS and other labels and  eventually would form his own label and website where he’d market and sell his own product and comment on the state of the music industry.  Junie was an incredible talent and he will surely be missed.

Rest in Peace Brother  Morrison. The Funkisphere will never be quite the same.