William “Benny” Benjamin
July 25, 1925 – April 20, 1969
Benny Benjamin was the primary drummer for famed Motown session group, the Funk Brothers. Along with James Jamerson on bass, Benjamin laid the foundation of almost every early hit to come out of Motown, including “Going To A Go-Go,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” and “(Money) That’s What I Want.” Apparently many producers, including Berry Gordy refused to work on any Motown sessions that didn’t include Benjamin on drums. Benjamin was just 43 when he died of a stroke on April 20, 1969. In 2003, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman.