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, originating from Grenada, Mississippi, was celebrated for his distinctive guitar style, which added a unique sonic quality to the rhythm section of numerous Motown recordings made at Hitsville U.S.A., often synchronized with the snare drum.