Walter "Junie" Morrison

1954 - 2017

Walter "Junie" Morrison

1954 - 2017

BORN

1954

DIED

2017

Walter Morrison Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 17, 2017.
Walter "Junie" Morrison, a talented keyboardist and producer who performed with George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic as well as the Ohio Players, has died, according to multiple news sources. Morrison was 62.

Morrison, who was born in 1954, also performed with the British group Soul II Soul, which had a hit with the 1989 single "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)."

Morrison's death was announced by Dam-Funk, who said Morrison's daughter, Akasha, shared the news. Morrison appeared on Dam-Funk's 2015 album, "Invite the Light," which opened with the song "Junie's Transmission."

"We spoke often. Walter "Junie" Morrison's daughter Akasha called me with the news of his passing. His passing was private, just like he was," Dam-Funk tweeted.

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According to Morrison's official website, the Dayton, Ohio, native was exposed to music at an early age at his church, playing the piano "as early as 5 years of age."

As a teenager, Morrison became a multi-instrumentalist, adding the guitar, drums and "certain types of brass instruments," his website bio states.

After graduating high school, Morrison became a founding member of the funk band Ohio Players in the early 1970s. He played keyboards on their albums "Pain," "Pleasure," and "Ecstacy." He helped write and arrange the Ohio Players' 1973 hit single, "Funky Worm."

After leaving the group, Morrison put out solo albums including "When We Do" (1975), "Bread Alone" (1980), "Evacuate Your Seats" (1984), and "When the City" (2004).

In 1977, Morrison became the musical director for George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic -- P-Funk for short -- which put out the critically acclaimed album "One Nation Under a Groove." A single from the album, "(Not Just) Knee Deep" became a No. 1 hit on the U.S. rhythm and blues chart in 1979.

Morrison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 along with Clinton, fellow P-Funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and more than a dozen other P-Funk members. Worrell died last year.

Many musicians took to social media this week to share their condolences, including the legendary bassist Bootsy Collins.

"Okay enough is enough, somebody tell me this ain't so. In case it is we have lost another frequency in the... https://t.co/FzO5VeDtvX," Collins tweeted Feb. 16, 2017.

The Roots bandleader Questlove tweeted, "The Great Junie Morrison. So inspirational. All the #OhioPlayers westbound era funk that birthed… https://t.co/Jyz0KaMuGV"

Sign Walter Morrison's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 26, 2024

Steven Majors posted to the memorial.

November 18, 2022

frances pipkins posted to the memorial.

January 23, 2021

Roderick morrison posted to the memorial.

83 Entries

Steven Majors

April 26, 2024

You were an awesome musician. Rest well sir

frances pipkins

November 18, 2022

junie iadored your music the song ecstacy is the greatest with that organ you added gorgeous i

Roderick morrison

January 23, 2021

I wonder if we are related I'm from Michigan last name morrison

clyde lamont

August 23, 2018

Junie is and was a great inspiration at a time in life where vision and direction was needed, especially where musician were concerned. I learned a lot about performance and writing skill through him. He is now in the great Master's choir.

Ernest Beard

January 5, 2018

R.P.I my Brother and sleep with the Angels

Rhonda Scott

August 15, 2017

Wow, this is the man behind George Clinton, Ohio Players and Soul II Soul? Hats off to you brother. I love all of them! Sleep in peace.

July 7, 2017

It is with heart felt condolences, that as I was going through the Ohio obituaries, that I came across this!! I literally grew up on the Ohio Players music and had a chance to meet this great entertainer while he was still with them. The music that was produced by you and everyone around can never be duplicated and you will surely be missed!! To all the Ohio Players, may your legacy live forever in the hearts of us who grew up skating on it, and the new generation that has yet to feel the funk!!

Susan Brown- Mansfield, Ohio

JAMES WIMBERLY

June 28, 2017

JUNIE WAS MY FAVORITE ENTERTAINER
I WILL MISS HIM GREATLY.MAY THE GOOD LORD CONTINUE TO GIVE HIS FAMILY THE STRENGTH TO MAKE IT THROUGH THIS TOUGH TIME

April 21, 2017

Our prayers are with the family. He will be missed.

Michele

March 31, 2017

Great music! He will be missed! Take comfort in God's invitation to Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall.

Maurice Copeland

March 29, 2017

To Walt's family and friends I would like to offer my deepest heart-felt condolences. I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio playing keyboards in many funk and R&B bands. EVERY young keyboard players I met in Ohio, wanted to be like Junie. He was on another level, but very in touch with his fans! We will always love you. Thanks for the inspiration and wonderful music and the times we got to open up your shows.
Maurice Copeland
Atlanta, Ga.(Yo-Ohio)

March 21, 2017

Rest in peace you was one of the best-known.

Jon Kydd

March 8, 2017

One of the best keyboardist of all times. Rest in Peace Junie

James Woods

March 6, 2017

One of the greatest musicians in the world.

Jackie Jackson

March 5, 2017

Blessed that our Father allowed our paths to cross, rest in love my mentor and friend~

Ann Howard

March 3, 2017

Sleep well brother !

Ann Howard

March 3, 2017

Sleep well brother !

March 2, 2017

I'm so sorry for the loss of Mr. Morrison. I truly enjoyed the music he played and the groups he played with. May the God who supplies endurance to get through times like this grant the family comfort.
Rom. 15:5

Harvey Agurs

February 28, 2017

Rest In Peace

G Banks

February 27, 2017

To the family of Mr. Jarreau. I send my sincere condolences. During this difficult time, I hope you draw comfort from the GOD of comfort. JAMES 4.8.

STILL ROCKING THE HOUSE JUNIE

KIZZY BEST

February 26, 2017

Kizzy Best

February 26, 2017

Scoone can't believe your gone my friend. When we lived together for in West Carrolton Dayton Ohio that's when my cooking soul food skills really developed. I remember all the McDonald quater pounders we shared together as you killed it night after night in the studio... Thanks for taking me out of the Robins Nest flying me everywhere you went to produce other artist like Pat Benatar and Breakfast Club and introducing me to the real funk. I will always love you and remember what you said to me about my gift..Give the clouds some real funk and we'll meet again.. My friend....Loving you more....

February 25, 2017

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

February 24, 2017

My most sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to the immediate and extended family of Mr. Walter "JUNIE" Morrison...a musical genius. I loved the Ohio Players (a big fan) and P-Funk of course. I saw the Ohio Players in Nashville, Tenn. back in the seventies and P-Funk in Charlotte (2008). Another P-Funkster has crossed the bar. Our great musicians are leaving us. There is a brighter side somewhere and surely Mr. Walter "JUNIE" Morrison can walk around Heaven all day. He is now at an Eternal destination where we have yet to arrive. "Excellence is to do common thing in an uncommon way. Respectfully submitted by:
Artemus Flagg, Ph.D., LPC (Phi Mu Alpha) of Charlotte, NC.

CHERYL BEASLEY JEFFERSON

February 23, 2017

I HAD A CRUSH ON YOU WHEN YOU LIVED NEXT DOOR ON KAMMER AVE IN DAYTON OHIO. YOU WERE SO TALENTED AND PLAYED ALL KINDS OF INSTRUMENTS. YOU WERE IN THE BAND AT ROOSEVELT AND EVEN HELPED MY BROTHER WITH HIS INTEREST IN MUSIC. PLAY ON IN HEAVEN THANK YOU FOR THE FUNK

TS

February 23, 2017

Lovers of that music will mourn him, offering my condolence to the family at this time, may you find comfort in his passion for the Art, may God bless and carry you during this difficult time

Victoria

February 23, 2017

I am very sorry to the friends and family for the loss. Soon there will come a time when we will never have to grieve the loss of a loved one in death ever again. Ps 37:9-11

Herbert Nelson,III

February 21, 2017

RIP Junie

Herbert Nelson,III

February 21, 2017

High school classmate 1969 Rossevelt High Dayton,Ohio, our first band named the Blue Velvets, nickname Mr. Peat Moss by Junie in high school, Junie gave my dad one of his six string guitars. I was shocked to learn of his passing. Rest in peace my brother and my personal friend.

Anita Bowman

February 21, 2017

Sorry for your loss.Praying for you and your family.

February 21, 2017

Truly saddened to hear about Walter "Junie" Morrison. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)

R.I.H. Mister Junie Morrison

Ruth Norris

February 21, 2017

I first met Junie in 1975 when my brother-in law Sherman Singleton ,play in his group called "Junie and I"
I will miss his critiques and wise words that he often shared on Facebook
Ruth
Tony Harris 'In the Pocket
All-Star Showband)
We are saddened by Junie passing ,
Junie will truly be miss
He often shared his wisdom and his music on Facebook R I H

February 20, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Great music during that time. Grew up on Ohio Players music.

M. S.

February 20, 2017

To the family and friends of Mr. Walter Junie Morrison.I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one, but know that you can depend on God especially now. I've found these verses to be of comfort at Psalms the 34th chapter the 17th and 18th verse.

Chris Matthews

February 20, 2017

Our deepest condolences to the family of "Junie". May God strengthen you during this time of loss.

Chris, Jenny and the Matthews family

DL MCDonald

February 17, 2017

RIP
Your music will last forever...

February 20, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family of Walter Morrison for loss of your loved one.It is a loss also to those who enjoyed his music. May you be comforted by his good memories and strength from God . Psalm 91:2

Gwen Allman

February 20, 2017

My sincerest condolences to the family. May the prayers and kind expressions of love carry you through this difficult time. Junie will be sadly missed and never forgotten.

-Gwen Allman

February 20, 2017

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

February 20, 2017

To the family, Sending my heartfelt condolences to you all. I had the privilege of meeting him many times. May he rest in peace and wait to hear Jesus words that he said to his friend Lazarus. "Come out"

A.Marie

February 20, 2017

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15.

Linda

February 20, 2017

My condolences to the family and friends. May the fond memories of your loved one carry you through this difficult time as you look to our loving heavenly father for strength "For he is near to those broken at heart ". Ps 34:17,18

Andrea

February 19, 2017

May the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts during this time of deep sorrow.

February 19, 2017

Family, we extend our sincere condolence for your loss and many will miss the music Junie shared; may you be comforted by the God of Tender Mercies leaning on him in prayer for strength in your time of grief.

February 19, 2017

Such a talent. Gone way too soon. My sympathy to his family and fans.

L G

February 19, 2017

My condolences to the Morrison Family. I will always remember the joy his music brought to my college years! Now, at his passing, may you be comforted by joyous memories and God's promise at Hosea 13:14 to restore life to the dead.

Juanita Janey

February 19, 2017

To The Family:

So sorry for your lost. God has a plan, for our great musicians, Mr. Morrison is playing for God & Jesus.

Mr. Morrison, you will be miss and your talented will live on in other musicians.

Rest in Peace.

With Sympathy,

Bryant Farrell

February 19, 2017

Thank you for the funk!

D Mitchell

February 18, 2017

Sorry for your loss. 1 Corinthians 15:26 gives us the hope that death will be erased forever.

AC

February 18, 2017

Another talented musician gone to soon. May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad and difficult time. Psalms 119:50,76.

Fj

February 18, 2017

My condolences go out to the family and friends of Walter Morrison . May the God of all comfort be with you at this difficult time. May he fill your heart with wonderful memories of Walter to cherish .You all are in my prayers.

G. Freeman

February 18, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

R. C.

February 18, 2017

To The Family Of Walter Morrison
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace now and in the days ahead.

buk prive renegade

February 18, 2017

thank god for our ability to record and store music. i love all things ohio playas. the mid to late 70s was when i was in a ohio playas trance that to this day has not gone away at all "RIP brother"

February 18, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

February 18, 2017

Sorry for your loss. God is our refuge and strength, may you find comfort from family and friends.

Don ~Psalms 23

February 18, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this time of sadness.

KELLEY

February 18, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

KELLEY

February 18, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

KELLEY

February 18, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

KELLEY

February 18, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

L W

February 17, 2017

I'm deeply sorry for your loss, such an Icon. Know that the God of all comfort is near to all who call on him in truth.9psalms145:1819) Pleae call on him for needed peace and comfort.

Thurman Burney jr

February 17, 2017

One of dayton's best musicians the great junie walter Morrison.

carlotta

February 17, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Morrison family and friends at this difficult time.

michelle plakas-kaiser

February 17, 2017

RIP

Mary Green

February 17, 2017

RIP!

February 17, 2017

Heartfelt condolences to the Morrison family. The Ohio players, and Bootsy Collins produced incredible music. God will comfort those who mourn.May he comfort the Morrison family during this challenging time. Matthew 5:4

Pauletta (Hayes) Brown

February 17, 2017

May you rest in peace, Junie! A brilliant musical genius mind has been stilled. I am very honored to have had you in my life. God has called you to rest from your labor. You have left an indelible mark.

Mary Green

February 17, 2017

My deepest Condolence for the family of Walter "Junie" Morrison may you find Comfort in knowing that others care and share your sorrow with you. Take Comfort in knowing God keeps those who die in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15.

February 17, 2017

May the peace God gives be with all family, friends and fans who mourn the loss of Walter "Junie" Morrison. He will be truly be missed by all.

Adrian Barnette

February 17, 2017

We'll miss you !

Valenda Newell

February 17, 2017

Talk about bringing the "FUNK" Walter created that sound with the "OHIO PLAYERS" and "PARLIAMENT & FUNKADELICS". He was very young at the time (1970's) being a producer, writer, vocalist and keyboardist, in other words Walter was multitalented like crazy man!!! I will continue to keep that music in my ear forever and ever, until I leave this place we call earth. THANKS, FOR OLD SCHOOL FUNK and for SHARING IT WITH THE WORLD.......PRAYERS and BLESSINGS to family and friends

Steve

February 17, 2017

Rest in Paradise sir!

Karen Davis

February 17, 2017

Prayers and condolences to Walter "Junie" Morrison's family and friends. His music will live eternally in my spirit. Rest in heavenly peace.

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Sign Walter Morrison's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 26, 2024

Steven Majors posted to the memorial.

November 18, 2022

frances pipkins posted to the memorial.

January 23, 2021

Roderick morrison posted to the memorial.