Biography
George Ivy Hunter, better known under the alias Ivy Jo, supplied the lyrics or music for several landmark Motown successes, among them “Ask the Lonely,” “Dancing in the Street,” “I’ll Keep Holding On,” and “Can You Jerk Like Me.” Reticent by nature, the Detroit-born songwriter, producer, and vocalist remained an enigmatic figure despite his steady output. While still in elementary school he performed with both the Detroit Symphony and the Detroit City Orchestra, displaying precocious command of trumpet, euphonium, and keyboards. At Cass Technical High School he tackled rigorous subjects such as economics and, at fifteen, composed his debut number for the Velveteers, a tune that propelled the group to victory in a local amateur showcase.
Following graduation he enlisted in the Army. Once discharged he returned to Detroit intent on a singing career, performing first at the 20 Grand and later at Phelp’s Lounge. There he met Motown staff writer and producer Hank Cosby, who steered him toward A&R chief William “Mickey” Stevenson. Although Hunter auditioned principally as a vocalist who penned his own material, Stevenson recognized greater promise in his songwriting skills. He contributed keyboards to numerous early sessions until Earl Van Dyke assumed that role. Their initial joint effort, “Sweet Thing” for the Spinners, inaugurated a string of enduring compositions that nonetheless escaped the spotlight accorded other Motown teams.
For the Temptations, Hunter helped shape “Born to Love,” “Just Another Lonely Night,” “Sorry Is a Sorry Word,” and “It’s a Lonely World Without Your Love.” The Spinners received “I’ll Always Love You” and “Truly Yours,” while Marvin Gaye was given “You.” Additional credits include “Yesterday Dreams” for the Four Tops, “Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead” for the Marvelettes, “My Baby Loves Me” for Martha & the Vandellas, and “Got to Have You Back” for the Isley Brothers.
Throughout this period he recorded solo material at the label, yet Motown issued only two singles: the March 1970 pairing “I Remember You (Dedicated to Beverly)” backed with “Sorry Is a Sorry Word,” followed two months later by “I Still Love You” backed with “I Can Feel the Pain.” Neither single registered commercially. An entire album, slated for release under the title Ivy Jo Is in This Bag, was completed but ultimately withdrawn.
Hunter remained active across Detroit’s studios, supplying keyboards on Funkadelic’s “Mommy, What’s a Funkadelic?” He co-produced an album for Wee Gee (William Howard), former lead singer of the Dramatics, which featured the tracks “Hold on to Your Dreams”—later recorded by the Staple Singers—and “You’ve Been a Part of Me.” Further songs from his catalog encompass “Loving Country” for the Supremes, “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever” for the Four Tops, and “Seek and You Shall Find” for both the Isley Brothers and Marvin Gaye. He also partnered with Ian Levine on “Footsteps Keep Following Me” for Frances Nero. Ivy Jo Hunter died on October 6, 2022, at the age of 82.
Following graduation he enlisted in the Army. Once discharged he returned to Detroit intent on a singing career, performing first at the 20 Grand and later at Phelp’s Lounge. There he met Motown staff writer and producer Hank Cosby, who steered him toward A&R chief William “Mickey” Stevenson. Although Hunter auditioned principally as a vocalist who penned his own material, Stevenson recognized greater promise in his songwriting skills. He contributed keyboards to numerous early sessions until Earl Van Dyke assumed that role. Their initial joint effort, “Sweet Thing” for the Spinners, inaugurated a string of enduring compositions that nonetheless escaped the spotlight accorded other Motown teams.
For the Temptations, Hunter helped shape “Born to Love,” “Just Another Lonely Night,” “Sorry Is a Sorry Word,” and “It’s a Lonely World Without Your Love.” The Spinners received “I’ll Always Love You” and “Truly Yours,” while Marvin Gaye was given “You.” Additional credits include “Yesterday Dreams” for the Four Tops, “Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead” for the Marvelettes, “My Baby Loves Me” for Martha & the Vandellas, and “Got to Have You Back” for the Isley Brothers.
Throughout this period he recorded solo material at the label, yet Motown issued only two singles: the March 1970 pairing “I Remember You (Dedicated to Beverly)” backed with “Sorry Is a Sorry Word,” followed two months later by “I Still Love You” backed with “I Can Feel the Pain.” Neither single registered commercially. An entire album, slated for release under the title Ivy Jo Is in This Bag, was completed but ultimately withdrawn.
Hunter remained active across Detroit’s studios, supplying keyboards on Funkadelic’s “Mommy, What’s a Funkadelic?” He co-produced an album for Wee Gee (William Howard), former lead singer of the Dramatics, which featured the tracks “Hold on to Your Dreams”—later recorded by the Staple Singers—and “You’ve Been a Part of Me.” Further songs from his catalog encompass “Loving Country” for the Supremes, “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever” for the Four Tops, and “Seek and You Shall Find” for both the Isley Brothers and Marvin Gaye. He also partnered with Ian Levine on “Footsteps Keep Following Me” for Frances Nero. Ivy Jo Hunter died on October 6, 2022, at the age of 82.