Funk Brothers with Joan Osborne - What Becomes of the Broken Hearted

[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]
The Funk Brothers featuring Joan Osborne
"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted"
.: from the documentary movie :.
"Standing in the Shadows of Motown"
Directed by Paul Justman
Produced by Paul Justman
Sandford Passman
Alan Slutsky
Written by Walter Dallas,
Ntozake Shange,
Alan Slutsky
Narrated by Andre Braugher
Distributed by Artisan Entertainment (USA)
Release date(s) November 15, 2002
Running time 116 mins
Language English
Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a 2002 documentary film directed by Paul Justman. It recounts the story of The Funk Brothers, the uncredited and largely unheralded studio musicians who performed on Motowns' recordings from 1959 to 1972. The film was inspired by the 1989 book Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson, a bass guitar instruction book by Allan Slutsky, which features the bass lines of James Jamerson.
The film covers the Funk Brothers' career via interviews with surviving band members, archival footage and still photos, dramatized re-enactments, and narration by actor Andre Braugher. The film also features new live performances of several Motown hit songs, with the Funk Brothers backing up Gerald Levert, Me'shell Ndegeocello, Joan Osborne, Ben Harper, Bootsy Collins, Chaka Khan, and Montell Jordan.
The impetus behind making the film was to bring these influential players out of anonymity. In addition to bassist James Jamerson, The Funk Brothers consisted of the following musicians: Jack Ashford (percussion); Bob Babbitt (bass); Joe Hunter (keyboards); Uriel Jones (drums); Joe Messina (guitar); Eddie Willis (guitar); "Pistol" Allen (drums); "Papa Zita" Benjamin (drums); "Bongo" Brown (percussion); Johnny Griffith (keyboards); Earl Van Dyke (keyboards); and Robert White (guitar).
Disclaimer
========
I personally claim ownership to nothing contained within this video. All audio and visual elements are exclusively the properties of the respective copyright holders.

[@hl9centre]

Without the Funk Brothers I don't think there would have truly been a Motown sound. I am an old white dude but I think the music of Motown and other black groups did more for civil rights to bring us all closer together in that time period than a lot of other important factors. It definitely sped up things in my humble opinion

[@t6v5c2]

Since this was posted, I've probably watched it 100 x's. Never gets old. Makes me want to cheer, and yet kinda' chokes me up. Joan Osborne, you got pipes, girl! Respect.

[@johnrider36]

Me Too!

[@gregsikora1833]

I LUV IT TOO MY BEST FRIEND JOE HUNTER I'M IN THERE TO!!! Greg

[@ricardovargas4546]

I heard this song many times and enjoyed it. But I never really respected it. Joan turned this song into a masterpiece! The passion of the lyrics with Joan's sultry, scratchy and powerful voice just slaps you! I don't get tired of hearing this!

[@garyjstier4899]

I'm with you on this; sadly, this is the only way to hear the Funk bros and as they've mostly passed since Standing in the Shadow was first aired, there'll never be another set like this, ever. Osbourne can sing pretty much anything but for me, these classics are her best work. Without the Funk Brothers & the backing vocals, even she can't recreate this stellar version of the Ruffin classic. Too bad but I've got this bookmarked & saved so at least we have these clips. Too bad they never got the recognition or financial rewards they deserved; Barry Gordy did OK from the Funk Brothers but not by them.

[@pekinghomonculus]

You are a piker - 🙂

[@emmettk]

I'm sure 74 year old Jimmy Ruffin had to smile when he saw Joan Osborne do him proud with this performance. RIP Richard "Pistol" Allen, (drums) Uriel Jones (drums) and Bob Babbitt (bass) who have passed since this was filmed.

[@Azishome]

Seems that Richard Allen was one of the guys who had to find a way to get Bob Babbitt home the night the riots broke out in Detroit in 1967. God bless them all.

[@emmettk]

Jim Porter Isn't it interesting that musicians seemed to work out the race thing sooner than the general population did?

[@ckrein414]

*****, Yes!! Great observation and so true. Race didn't matter. Musical ability bonded white and black. Couple of examples (and I'm certain there are many more). 1) Joe Hunter was influential in getting my brother Bob Babbitt into Motown having played w/him on non-Motown sessions. 2) When having played his first session w/teen-age Afro-Amer., drummer Andrew Smith, Bob labeled him genius and helped get him Motown sessions. After Motown left Detroit, Bob and Andrew went to NYC together and were on demand and as close as bros.

[@emmettk]

Chuck Kreinar Are you actually Bob Babbitt's brother or was that a figure of speech? On the subject of the great bonds that were formed at Motown, I recently commented on a video showing Bob speaking at a tribute to James Jamerson where I noted the brotherly love that was evident when he spoke of James. Wish all the Funk Brothers had gotten their due when they could have better benefited from it.

[@ckrein414]

*****, Not a figure of speech, Bob was my older brother. He had great respect for James and cited him as one of his major influences. He and James developed a strong friendship even though Bob's entry at Motown took away sessions James could have played. One story about them had Bob playing a non-Motown session at a local studio and James came to watch/listen. After the session and everyone had left, he and James jammed for about 4 hrs. I take it you saw Bob present James the Fender Hall of Fame award posthumously. You are correct about the love; he felt so close to James that he almost lost it several times. Such a shame for the Funks departed that "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" wasn't made sooner. At least it was long overdue much-needed and deserved respect and recognition.

[@richardkline1832]

I have to question the sanity of anyone who voted this song down. It is one of the most amazing covers and songs ever. Joan kills it.

[@ianholliday8149]

Agreed.

[@stevemiller1203]

I've probably watched this 100 times and it still brings a smile to my face when Joan cuts loose and also the end, where you can see they know they nailed it!

[@anitathompson9360]

I love this song bt Hands Down she's improved it

[@jayhendricks67]

@@anitathompson9360 You got to be kidding that was terrible

[@789pokey]

@@jayhendricks67, you need a Q-tip.

[@armstronglance]

I never get tired of hearing this rendition! Joan has some pipes! And the perfect soul voice for this song! Whoever picked Joan to front the Funk Brothers on this song deserves some kind of award!

[@toddturner4726]

armstronglance had 73 I may be the only one that cares about this note. so indulge me please I'm kind of doing it so I don't forget the memories forged over so many years. I became a rock and roll disc jockey literally at the age of 13 going to high school show on weekends. I worked full time in a variety of stations through college and graduate school and though I thought I had another profession radio was my love my only love and particularly rock and roll. Yes dear friends my age shows after some 53 years playing the great songs of so many absolutely iconic artists. in the mid-sixties I was known as a blue-eyed soul brother because I played so much of Motown and Atlantic Records. I know this is braggadocio but I had the privilege of working with great groups I was good friends with Rosetta Rosetta Hightower

[@armstronglance]

Todd Turner hey Todd. Yes, those times were great! The 60’s-70’s radio hit songs just kept coming and coming every week. Makes me sad and brings a tear to the eyes to watch the funk brothers in this video, knowing how many hits they wrote the music for, and didn’t get the recognition or financial return they so deserved. I played in bands thru those years, playing many many Motown & Stax songs. Who knew Booker T & MG’s were to Stax what the funk bros were to Motown. I really miss those years, but can still tear up on a B3, bass guitar , guitar and trombone. Me too, a blue eyed soul brother.

[@789pokey]

The Funk Bros picked her.

[@bubba4072]

I never get tired of hearing this version and the original version of this song. Thank you, Funk Brothers, Jimmy Ruffin, and Joan❣️

[@barryleeper5634]

I watched that documentary on "Standing In The Shadows of Motown" and I finally found the answers to a lot of my questions from the 1960's. Who played the instruments on all those great songs back then in the 1960's??I would look on the back of my Supremes, Four Tops, Temptations albums, and more, and never saw any names of people who played the instruments on those songs.A long time ago back in 1970 or 1971 I was at the firehouse talking with some guy and he told me he was a studio musician for Motown, but I never gave it much thought till years later. I just cannot believe how much joy these people gave the world and got little to no recognition for it, that is until the Funk Brothers, or someone put together the documentary Standing in the shadows of Motown.These guys were so darned talented and never got any glory for all their hard work and dedication to their art......the art of making great music!!Someone somewhere reaped the benefit of these guys efforts and never gave it a second thought, oh, sure they got paid per recording session, but nothing else.Funny how a 15 year old kid back in the 1960's knew something was not right, but had no power to do anything about it. Sad but true.

[@tealdust1]

Really? Only 9 likes!! Barry Leeper I[m going to cut/paste and bring it up to the top! And, yes so common in all businesses -- not just show business as we have seen with the Banking crap. Anyway, i know what you mean when kids just feel things around them in the home or in society are not right. What is sad is the disconnect some adults become because of power + money = greed and huge disconnection or caring from other people. Peace to you ~

[@dennissevilla9895]

in case you haven't seen them yet, there's also a documentary about the muscle shoals session players and the wrecking crew in LA (which probably replaced most of the funk brothers when motown moved to california). i saw the other 2 before this one and it's just amazing how so many hits came from such a small group of musicians.

[@Tonetwisters]

One of THE BEST songs on the entire KZbin network. Period. And that, from a guitarist of 57+ years ...

[@RadioMattM]

I heard that this got a standing ovation in a movie theater where this film was shown. The original was great, but this is fantastic.

[@jarinxcii263]

Berry Gordy did the Funk Brothers dirty. Long live the Funk Brothers. More hits than anyone period

[@alrivera8363]

Yeah. Berry is a slime ball.

[@mitchpatterson8227]

This is the best rendition of this song I have ever heard. WOW!

[@ljswack]

+Mitch Patterson I agree

[@xmchillin]

She absolutely dominated this documentary about MOTOWN! One of the BEST ever insights into MOTOWN and behind the scenes folks like the Funk Brothers that you will ever see. One of my favorite DVD's to watch over and over.

[@barryleeper5634]

I whole heartedly agree with you about your comments. I was absolutely floored by what I saw read my comments and they will tell you how I feel about these guys not getting any recognition.Even in the 1960's I knew something was not right about these guys not being given any credits on the albums by the Motown groups...sad!!

[@byronfrank8034]

She is very phenomenal , brings me too tears every time, I play this song

[@dorenemadrzykowski8426]

Unbelievable...Musicians actually reading music and playing instruments, no computers. Live music is awesome. This song is timeless and one of the best renditions ever. I love the drummer, really hitting it at the end....he looks so happy. Thank you Motown.

[@grahamwest6472]

There isn't a band today that can live with these guys ,the best ever Been a avid fan for a long time They didn't get the recondition they decerved

[@MrGeorgieKinz]

Joan, after you and the Funk Brothers did this song, rock-and-roll had to start up all over again!! Every time I grab my DVD of Standing In the Shadows of Motown my wife grabs her purse and heads to the mall because she knows I'm going to play this song 100 times. Thank you for yor talent and sharing it with us. God bless Joan.

[@lonnieljones]

I was fortunate enough to meet Uriel Jones twice after "Standing In The Shadows of Motown" was released. Such a Humble and generous man, we discussed how the Music impacted me, a young white kid from Canada in the 60s before I too became a Drummer. When I shook his hand at the end of the second time we met, I thanked him for being the Backbeat to the soundtrack of my life. Love to Uriel and all the other fantastic Musicians and Singers who made Motown what it was.

[@johnmcgovern6330]

Nice story. Uriel passed away a few years ago. RIP

[@barryleeper5634]

I recorded "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown" off H.B.O. a few years back. I was hurt how so much God given talent went unnoticed by the public I just could not fathom how all those guys got no credit for their part of such a great era in music. R.I.P. to the guy who played bass on My Girl. No one will EVER beat the Motown Sound... NOBODY!!

[@lillianthomas4395]

Didn`t know Jimmy Ruffin had passed away, how very sad. I saw him at Batley Variety Club in the sixties, he was fantastic. Rest In Peace Jimmy.

[@BillSimmonsRVA]

Love this version of the song! R.I.P. Jimmy Ruffin and also bassist Bob Babbitt from the video. Love seeing Uriel & Pistol beat the drums!

[@EduardoRodriguez-ks4em]

BEST VERSION EVER!!!! FUNK BROTHERS AND JOAN REALLY REMADE IT!!!!!

[@toddturner4726]

Eduardo Rodriguez , I just said picking it was supposed to be booking concerts LOL that's 73 I'd love to book her and a couple of venues if you can give me any help bless you and thank you The Raven

[@hunkydorian]

One of the best performances of anything ever.

[@789pokey]

+++

[@wreckoningday]

one of the best performances I've heard in a while... Couldn't ask for a better band and Joan Osbourne is right there w them... Perfect! Raise a glass to Bob Babbitt...Greatly missed

[@drunettaspencer1653]

I love my those no longer with us RIP. Thanks for helping me realize it was the music that was the magic of Motown

[@michaelmudd3198]

Damn she has a smokin hot voice. Long live the Funk Brothers. The greatest hit machine of all times period.

[@Prellium]

I have the DVD and this is my favourite performance on it. Just beautiful, powerful and shows the old Funk Brothers having fun. Now 2 bass legends are gone, James Jamerson and RIP Bob Babbitt.

[@jfjoubertquebec]

There is a cinematic quality to this song...

[@markiv2942]

Simply put: Insane. I basically listen to this daily now. The last part is so freaking catchy Joan opening up that I cannot get enough of it. Just perfect mix of moods.

[@reginasteele8261]

I watch this over and over again.

[@jamiefox1963]

She sang the hell out of that !

[@MrNathan791]

My, My, My; what a strong voice Joan has, and with great passion. And the remaining Funk brothers still had it; they're still a tight group of musicians. I bought this DVD when it first came out, and I never never ever grow tried of these fellows sharing their memories and all the good times and crazy times they had with Motown. What these guys had and did at Motown I feel could never be duplicated. Period.

[@mikelistman5263]

Old Motown boy...just seeing this version for the first time... sublime

[@robertgenda3024]

Believe it or not I just Discovered Ms Joan Osborne! She is the best. So soulful what a great set of pipes. And I never knew who the Funk Brothers where or that they were the session band to Motown. Fantastic!!

[@alansoulman347]

The fantastic Funk Brothers wow " still got it, indeed " .an immense contribution to Motowns success,,, this a great tribute to Jimmy Ruffin by Joan Osborne.. This music will never die,,, its alive and kicking with gigs all arround my area in Manchester England and I'm part of it every weekend,, -dancing till they turn the lights off : ))

[@cynthiamarshall13]

Dance in the Dark Too! *S*

[@ronaldrice1600]

Great song. Always liked it. Seldom do I like a remake better than the original but this is the best version of it ever.

[@tonycapt1]

The great Bob Babbitt, you are with James Jamerson now, buzzing the heavens with your unmistakable Motown bass sound. RIP big fella.

[@jlclark62]

Great Job Joan!!! R.I.P. Bob Babbitt You Will Be Greatly Missed!

[@limericklimejuice3358]

Bob Babbitt.....that bass defined the motown sound....RIP brother!!

[@dreadnaught90]

I think it is generally accepted that James Jamerson is the bass player who defined the Motown sound. But Bob Babbitt, who traded off the Motown session bass work with Jamerson, is an incredible player in his own right and deserves full recognition for his work.

[@Hapenparadise]

NOW THIS...IS MUSIC!!!

[@cynthiamarshall13]

What a gorgeous look in her face when she first starts off!

[@Prellium]

I come here and listen to this every time I feel low and it always makes me cry and feel uplifted at the same time as well. Be strong and be well my friend.

[@pennybenton5607]

I watched the special with The Funk Brothers, it was fantastic! I learned more about studio musicians, their part in the history of music , I suggest anyone who enjoys music must watch. Thanks guys.

[@darthmeek]

1 of the best DVD I've ever bought , if you can find it buy it. it's a wonderful tribute to these humble giants of the music world

[@nicholasferrara9227]

Joan kills this song, her husky voice and perfect pitch---got to be a one in a trillion--love you Joan. Thank you, thank you. Even my Bichon dances to this song! Now that is one giant compliment!

[@johnlievense]

Listen over and over

[@Marty4650]

I had absolutely no idea this woman could sing this well. Very few female vocalists could have accomplished such a powerful and masterful interpretation of this song. Joan Osborne took a great song, and did it even better. Now she owns it. I'm a fan of hers now. Amazing talent.

[@Madminute1968]

Damn, that was OUTSTANDING, blue-eyed soul at it's finest!

[@jerbre9340]

This shot her to stardom...loving this !!!

[@jazzthing0]

man i wish james was still alive he would have made a great addition to this piece

[@susansmith6732]

Brings back sweet memories of going to the local teen club in 1965

[@stephengiroir4926]

cant get enough of her thanks love 60s motown rock on go kid rock detroit

[@SavageBrain1948]

Joan Osborn. Period. Who does this song better. No one. Jimmy Ruffin would be proud.

[@presnpump]

Joan Osbourne can sing shes no joke. perfect voice

[@susansmith6732]

Respect For The Funk Brothers .

[@mojogypsy]

Such a great song and a terrific performance!

[@ETsluciddream]

We find out who we truly are, and then we find love again. God bless!

[@JubaL609]

And may I say 'amen' and give my sincerest condolences. No soul who has shared so much musical joy has anything other than heaven coming to them. Bob's basslines truly defined Motown music to my ears. I am 61 now and have not been back to Michigan for well over 25 years now but I grew up 30 minutes out of downtown Detroit and Motown music still takes me home again.

[@raymondallo9947]

31 people had the volume turned down to zero, clueless. But I LOVE this version. And what a treat with the Funk Brothers. Out of this world.

[@ptmt86]

Soulful down home Joan. The lady has it!

[@richardcole786]

joan can really breathe new life into classic songs

[@anamariasalgado4896]

Love this song and llove how Joan Osborne sings it. She is awesome! What a voiceI!! Never get tired of hearing her sing it! What a women.

[@tealdust1]

I saw this comment from a Barry Leeper that he posted a year ago! "I watched that documentary on "Standing In The Shadows of Motown" and I finally found the answers to a lot of my questions from the 1960's. Who played the instruments on all those great songs back then in the 1960's??I would look on the back of my Supremes, Four Tops, Temptations albums, and more, and never saw any names of people who played the instruments on those songs.A long time ago back in 1970 or 1971 I was at the firehouse talking with some guy and he told me he was a studio musician for Motown, but I never gave it much thought till years later. I just cannot believe how much joy these people gave the world and got little to no recognition for it, that is until the Funk Brothers, or someone put together the documentary Standing in the shadows of Motown.These guys were so darned talented and never got any glory for all their hard work and dedication to their art......the art of making great music!!Someone somewhere reaped the benefit of these guys efforts and never gave it a second thought, oh, sure they got paid per recording session, but nothing else.Funny how a 15 year old kid back in the 1960's knew something was not right, but had no power to do anything about it. Sad but true."

[@tealdust1]

My reply to him: Really? Only 9 likes!! Barry Leeper I[m going to cut/paste and bring it up to the top! And, yes so common in all businesses -- not just show business as we have seen with the Banking crap. Anyway, i know what you mean when kids just feel things around them are not right. What is sad is the disconnect some adults become because of power + money = greed and huge disconnection from or for caring for other people. Peace to you ~

[@up2my]

awesome rendition of this old classic. about the 3;00 mark, joan swings out into a"free style" that tears at anyone who has loved and lost. perfect voice for this perfect song of sorrow. no matter how many times i play it, it gives me chills and emotion. now that's what "art" is about.

[@cory23ism]

I had the pleasure of seeing her in concert and she was wonderful. The crowd kept asking her to sing this song, so she finished up with this as the last. And I agree, she owns this song!

[@lindabrown2090]

She did a excellent job singing this song. I use to love this song, sung by Jimmy Ruffin, David Ruffin’s brother.

[@limericklimejuice3358]

She KILLS THIS.....frikken awesome!!!

[@moudiwort]

brilliant performance!

[@cynthiamarshall13]

"We still have it" How very true!!

[@justme-ll1qz]

How can anyone NOT like this? It's like a masterpiece

[@2tumbacat]

Sublime, beautiful. I have heard both the Funk Brothers live and Joan Osborne live, but never the two of them together unfortunately. What a great song with ageless, life affirming lyrics.

[@nookinponub]

Incredible. This performance and arrangement are off the chart!

[@mikemoore6668]

saw her at THE SKAGIT bout 8-9 years ago. Just after this was done. Great pipes. This truly is the best version of this song.

[@pappyto8]

A wonderful, emotion filled performance from one of our great talents. And.....what a band.

[@GratefulJim49]

A great song...great band..and a great vocal performance...RIP Bob Babbitt.

[@johnrjohn25]

In my almost 60 years I've seen thousands of live performances. This is my favorite. It is perfect in every respect. I love you, Joan.

[@JubaL609]

I grew up just outside Detroit during the 50s-60s. Kick in CKLW radio and it was straight up Motown 24/7.

[@ronrudolph9959]

One of the best songs ever. I bet they never listened to it.

[@rhythmnsoulsymphony]

Great set... fabulous musicians... tremendous vocals... great job Joan.

[@cynthiamarshall13]

She still passes the "test" of soul & inspiration.

[@raymondallo9947]

WOW,WOW,WOW goose bumps

[@johnbaldwin2176]

Joan and my guys killed it o m g

[@armstronglance]

Still the best version I ever heard! Beyond a shadow of a doubt !

[@arthurneville4499]

Brilliant, what more csn l say.........!

[@Hapenparadise]

My favorite song in HS! THIS is fantastic!!!

[@tedt282nd]

Joan was born to sing this song......What a soulful voice.....She ssings with so much soul its infectious...

[@mel0dyism]

God Speed Mr. Babitt. We love you and thanks sooo very much.

[@daviemcf]

The DVD is phenomenal!!

[@firstcav46]

Love me some Joan, especially her outstanding rendition of this oldie!

[@mecarpentermusic]

Im not a fan of Joan Osborne but man here voice is phenomenal in this song !!!!!

[@shonii119]

Melts my heart.

[@bigbadfitter]

I guess that Joan does not act sleazy enough to be a major star today. It's just too bad that pure talent alone doesn't cut it anymore. 45 years ago, Joan would have been a major star when all you had to have was talent.

[@RadioMattM]

Joan Osborne had the best vocal in the film with this one for sure.

[@geraldjohnson848]

The Funk Brothers. Joan Osborne. 'Nuff said. Outstanding. Thanks for the upload, Jubal Harshaw. Blessings

[@pekinghomonculus]

When you go to live performances, you hope for something that reaches this zenith. Incredible talent and performance -

[@petermetaxas9696]

I keep watching this. A wonderful rendition. absolutely the best.

[@cynthiamarshall13]

Sister Blue Eye Soul Sister Extrodinaire!

[@earnestrobbins7566]

Love this rendition

[@cynthiamarshall13]

Keep The Faith and follow these great musicians as do I!

[@sherrymcilroy4310]

This is one of the Best performances I have ever watched

[@stoshrice4060]

What an interpretation of this classic song, Jimmy Ruffin, would be smiling down and I must admit I think I may have a love jones for Ms. Osborne after hearing this, she performed this with respect, sincerity and soul !

[@kennethmcdonald5278]

Bad assed music!!!

[@jameskeith1474]

What a voice, and the band is the best.