Born in Grenada, Mississippi, Willis was known for his signature style of muted guitar riffs which added a distinctive tone or "color" to the beat, often timed with the snare, of the hundreds of hit songs recorded at Hitsville U.S.A. for Motown artists.
Willis, born in Grenada, Mississippi, was renowned for his unique guitar style, characterized by muted riffs that added a distinctive sonic element to the rhythm section of numerous Motown hits recorded at Hitsville U.S.A., often synchronized with the snare drum.