Bill Cunningham, American bass player and keyboard player

William Cunningham: The Enduring Legacy of The Box Tops' Original Bassist and Classical Maestro

William Cunningham, born on January 23, 1950, stands as a foundational figure in the history of The Box Tops, serving as the original bass guitarist and keyboardist for the iconic Memphis-based band. His journey in music is a remarkable narrative of versatility, spanning successful careers in both popular and classical genres.

Early Career and a Pivotal Transition

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, a city globally renowned for its rich musical heritage and vibrant recording scene, Cunningham played a crucial role in shaping The Box Tops' distinctive sound from their inception. His tenure with the band lasted until August 1969, when he made a significant decision to pivot his focus. Driven by a profound commitment to academic musical pursuits and a deep passion for the instrument, he chose to return to school to earn a music degree, specializing in the performance of the upright bass.

A Distinguished Classical Journey

Far from disappearing from the music scene, Cunningham embarked on a distinguished journey within the world of classical music. His dedication led him to perform with numerous prestigious symphony orchestras, including his hometown's renowned Memphis Symphony Orchestra, as well as various ballet and opera companies. This period showcased his immense versatility and talent, as he collaborated with an eclectic array of celebrated artists across different genres. He provided invaluable musical support for country music legend Eddy Arnold, acclaimed classical pianist Van Cliburn, soul icon Isaac Hayes, the revered Spanish classical guitar quartet The Romeros, the inimitable pop and R&B diva Dionne Warwick, and the internationally celebrated violinist Itzhak Perlman.

A significant part of his rigorous classical training involved studying the upright bass in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the mid-to-late 1970s. Here, he had the privilege of learning under the tutelage of Roger Scott, who was then the highly respected principal bassist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. This orchestra, under the legendary conductor Eugene Ormandy, was widely recognized as one of America's "Big Five" orchestras, known for its sumptuous string sound and precision.

Contributing to Memphis's Recording Legacy

Beyond his classical endeavors, Cunningham also contributed his talents to the vibrant Memphis recording scene, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly transition between musical worlds. He was a sought-after musician for string sessions, lending his distinct touch to recordings for STAX Records – a pivotal label in soul, R&B, gospel, and funk music that defined much of the "Memphis sound" – and other prominent Memphis artists.

A notable example of his profound studio work can be found on "You and Your Sister," a poignant track by Chris Bell, a co-founder of the influential power pop band Big Star. This particular recording showcases Bell's evocative guitar work and lead vocals, complemented by the distinctive backing vocals from the late, great Alex Chilton (also of Big Star and The Box Tops fame). Critically, the track features Cunningham's sophisticated string arrangements and masterful upright bass performance, highlighting his exceptional talent as both an arranger and instrumentalist.

Reformation of The Box Tops and Continued Touring

In 1996, William Cunningham played a principal and instrumental role in orchestrating the reformation of the original Box Tops lineup, bringing the iconic band back together for a new chapter. He resumed his duties on bass guitar and shared keyboard responsibilities with John Evans for the group's 1998 album, Tear Off. Cunningham has remained an active touring member of The Box Tops since 1997, solidifying his enduring commitment to the band's legacy and its fans worldwide.

Following a six-year hiatus prompted by the untimely passing of The Box Tops' iconic lead singer, Alex Chilton, in 2010, William Cunningham and original guitarist Gary Talley reignited The Box Tops. Their reunion tour commenced in 2016, breathing new life into the band's enduring catalog.

A highlight of their contemporary touring schedule was their participation in the acclaimed "Happy Together Tour" in 2017. This nostalgic summer tour united them with other legendary acts of the era, creating an unforgettable experience for fans. The lineup included:

• The Turtles
• The Association
• The Cowsills
• Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night
• Ron Dante of The Archies

The tour was a remarkable success, spanning 48 cities across the United States and captivating an audience exceeding 200,000 fans, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these classic artists and the timeless quality of their music.

International Recognition and Hall of Fame Induction

The Box Tops' continued relevance extended internationally, reaching new audiences and reinforcing their global appeal. On September 6, 2018, the band filmed a special German television program in Hamburg, Germany, performing live before an enthusiastic audience of 1,700 attendees. This broadcast, scheduled for European audiences in October 2018, featured an impressive lineup of international guests including legendary singer-songwriter Donovan, acclaimed artist and former Beatles collaborator Klaus Voormann, folk icon Melanie, iconic actor Peter Fonda, and celebrated comedian Rowan Atkinson.

William Cunningham's significant contributions to music were formally recognized on November 1, 2018, when he was inducted into the prestigious Memphis Music Hall Of Fame. He received this esteemed honor as a founding member of The Box Tops, cementing his place in the pantheon of Memphis music legends. Other luminaries inducted that evening included the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin and soul vocalist Eddie Floyd, highlighting the exceptional company Cunningham joined. The induction ceremony featured The Box Tops delivering a memorable performance, following a powerful set by the legendary "Killer" Jerry Lee Lewis, underscoring the event's historical significance within the vibrant Memphis music landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Cunningham

When was William Cunningham born?

William Cunningham was born on January 23, 1950.

What instruments did William Cunningham play for The Box Tops?

William Cunningham was the original bass guitarist and keyboardist for The Box Tops.

Why did William Cunningham leave The Box Tops in 1969?

He left in August 1969 to return to school and pursue a music degree, specializing in the performance of the upright bass.

Which famous classical musicians did Cunningham study with?

He studied the upright bass in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Roger Scott, who was the principal bassist under Eugene Ormandy in the Philadelphia Orchestra.

What was William Cunningham's role in reforming The Box Tops?

He played a principal role in reforming the original Box Tops lineup in 1996, playing bass and sharing keyboard duties on the Tear Off album.

When did The Box Tops reunite after Alex Chilton's death?

After a six-year hiatus following Alex Chilton's death in 2010, William Cunningham and Gary Talley reunited The Box Tops and began touring again in 2016.

When was William Cunningham inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame?

William Cunningham was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame on November 1, 2018, as a founding member of The Box Tops.