Charles ‘Skip’ Pitts (1947-2012)

Charles ‘Skip’ Pitts, a session guitarist best known for his association with Issac Hayes, passed away yesterday after a bout with cancer. In a career that spanned over 6 decades, Pitts learned guitar from Bo Diddley and began recording when he was only 15. As a member of The Isley Brothers Band, Pitts came up with the memorable opening riff to the R&B/rock standard ‘It’s Your Thing’. He also recorded extensively with Stax Records, where he also a 40 year association with Issac Hayes. When Hayes was brought aboard to score the film ‘Shaft’, it was Pitts who came up with the epic opening wah-wah heavy guitar riff that propels the song and the film. Pitts would also work with Al Green, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Rufus Thomas, Albert King, and most recently, Cyndi Lauper. In recent years, Pitts performed on the soundtracks to Black Snake Moan, Hustle & Flow and Soul Men.

Charles ‘Skip’ Pitts was 65.

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