The Funk Brothers - Musicians behind the sound of Motown

Featuring Gerald Levert singing "Reach Out I'll Be There" and Joan Osborne singing Heatwave

[@lightwayacoustics]

Joe Messina is not only a great musican, but a great grandfather as well ;) lucky to have him in my life till this day....

[@mitchcosentino674]

+Adam Messina--- Beautiful Talent, one of the greatest collections of total talent in music history. "Standing in the Shadows" will absolutely change the life of anyone living (and a few who aren't!). You can't be proud enough.

[@lightwayacoustics]

hey thank you... i try to jam with him on guitar but my 28 year old fingers cant keep up with 87 year old fingers hahhaa

[@paulyr8721]

+Adam Messina Wow Adam. You must be so proud. I grew up loving his music. All the best to you and him!

[@Maltloaflegrande]

+Adam Messina He played so many great guitar parts over the years and comes across as such a genuinely nice bloke on the DVD (as do his two co-guitarists). What an amazing team they were.

[@olesolja1407]

I met Mr. Joe Messina in Bonn Germany. My wife is Sicilian and she really enjoying meeting him as much a I did. I got a chance to get on stage and sing My Girl with the Funk Brothers. Talking "bout a BLAST!. After the show my wife and I walked to the bus with Joe Messina, and Poppa Joe Hunter. They both were a pleasure to have experienced meeting that particular evening. Really cool and down to earth people. The sound of the Funk Brothers lives on with me each and every day. Ciao! to Mr. Messina.

[@chivonnenicole6944]

Robert White is my great uncle and I'm so proud of his musical accomplishments!

[@motownfan3]

Great to hear ....his talents are unreal !!!!!!

[@neilchaney1308]

Sooo coool!!! What a musician!!!

[@tonymarinelli7304]

This is one of the best docunentaries EVER. I love Motown and these musicians were simply unreal player.

[@patbrennan6572]

Tony, I must have watched it a dozen times and told many that should see this great documentary..

[@jennifursun3303]

sadly they were supposed to have been paid for this documentery and never were ..sadly the only ones left alive are Joe and Eddie, and sadly Eddie can no longer play

[@karencasale7581]

For real! Ive watched it several times. I never get tired of it!

[@sisirkattempudi7155]

Finally they’re being recognized for their talent and hard work. Unfortunately, many of them are gone, including my favorite James Jamerson, and even some shown in this video.

[@JeromeNathan]

Outstanding beyond measure!

[@motownfan3]

I had the opportunity to see the FUNK BROTHERS five times when they were on tour several years ago. WHAT AN EXPERIANCE ......THEY HAD THE PLACE " ROCKIN' " EACH TIME I SAW THEM !!!!!! @@JeromeNathan

[@peacefuleasy]

Once the Funk Brothers sound gets in your head it stays there for your whole life. It's tremendous that these brilliant musicians are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

[@b.bailey8244]

the Funk Brothers WERE Motown

[@MsMasyoyo]

right on the money

[@shirleythompson3065]

All day everyday.

[@clairerobsin]

ah, they are Motown!

[@captainkeyboard1007]

How sweet it is.

[@AntAdam1]

Along with the Andantes, unsung heroes of Motown.

[@MrDonnyAir]

The majority of the studio groups; those "session cats" in the studio who played on the hits that we grew up listening to, were largely unknown, until just the past few years, when these various documentaries started coming out. Unless you were a musician yourself, or in the biz, or a music aficionado who knew the history of the music - session groups like The Funk Brothers, along with L.A.'s "The Wrecking Crew", Muscle Shoals' "The Swampers", Booker T and The MG's at Stax Records, ( and many more)... were never credited on any of the singles or albums they played on during that time... But, they were responsible for the music to so mant of those great songs. I'd never take anything away from the talented artists who sang on all those hits, but without those very talented session players, laying down those backing tracks - along with the recording engineers who recorded and mixed the tracks - that music wouldn't have existed, at least not as we've come to know it. Artists like James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan did start crediting studio musicians in the mid 70's, which was great, but I'm happy that these incredibly talented people who came before that time are now getting the thanks and credit they so richly deserve - although, for more than just a few of them, it's come too late, as so many of those 1950's and 1960's session players have now passed on. Cudos to these film makers who have dedicated their time and talents to make these documentaries, and inform the public about all these very talented musicians.

[@richieprimoretro]

You're so right about this! Marvin Gaye was first to credit the Funk Bros. on "What's Going On" and please don't forget the Sigma/Phila. International artists who gave life to the "Philly Sound" or TSOP

[@captainkeyboard1007]

The Funk Brothers played superb music. There is no sound like the Motown sound.

[@AntAdam1]

The funk brothers and the Andantes, none of it would be possible without them. Unsung heroes in the background, all of them as important as the front artists themselves. I love all of it.

[@judahsamaria5250]

The Funk Brothers made Motown into an international brand name. They are the greatest band of that time period of in American music.

[@leeschubkegel]

Something I didn't think about but now I will... They were Motown ,Yes !!! And Joan Osborne, nice rendition of Heat Wave !!

[@tatyeltalento9378]

5;15 what is song , Please ??????????????????'

[@patbrennan6572]

it's so sad that someone couldn't reach out to james, he left us way to soon..

[@wrekkingcru]

Subtract The Funk Brothers and The Wrecking Crew from American music in the 60s and you're left with any empty room that only echoes lifeless and hollow.

[@jennifursun3303]

as well as the Muscle Sholes Swampers, the musicians from okey records and those that did the Brille Building recordings

[@Bluestomiv]

and Booker T. & the MGs along with the Bar Kays playing on stax recordings.

[@neilchaney1308]

Nothing better!!!! The ABSOLUTE BEST!

[@kaihG]

man that opening performance of Reach out.. Jesus. It echoes right into the very core of my soul. Just beautiful.

[@iluvrachellef]

RIP Gerald Levert! 1966-2006😢

[@shirleythompson3065]

Their talents were amazing. I think they were the greatest musicians ever. Funk Brothers I thank you for the incredible sound

[@jennifursun3303]

amen sis the best band wasn't the Beatles, Stones, Yardbirds, Beach Boys these guys win hands down

[@Brenna944]

+madminute Yup, Hal Blaine, the best in the business!

[@jennifursun3303]

+madminute love them both. also the Swampers from Muscle Sholes. wish i could have combined all three together to see what they would have sounded like. alas, most of the Funk Brothers are now deceased.

[@drophatinc]

I have this Documentary on VHS. The Funk Brothers are simply amazing.

[@rehobothwell]

Going through the Documentary. Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!!!

[@djcoolcliff]

Miss my brother Gerald and my uncle Motown session rhythm guitarist legend Wah Wah Watson! Worked with both of them musically and they taught me a lot!!!! Forever grateful!!!!!

[@anonymousapocalypse247]

Gerald killed this! He was a legend as well. R.I.P Funk Brothers 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ZZTOPSALL]

WHAT A BUNCH OF TALENTED ARTISTS. LOVE THESE GUYS.

[@TheFunkBros]

When is someone going to do something to celebrate the most unsung musicians in the history of Music. The Funk Brothers!!!

[@karibgold5394]

I knew Bob Babbitt well. He was wonderful. He was done wrong by some people in the industry but he didn't concentrate on that. He was an awesome friend and co-writer,recording buddy. I'm looking forward to seeing him in heaven and doing music with him once again!

[@Bibbs65]

wow, Babbitt was a awesome bass player

[@karibgold5394]

nowatout Yes! He was an awesome friend too. I miss him alot.

[@Bibbs65]

+Kari B Gold ♡♡

[@MrDonnyAir]

Very cool!!!

[@karibgold5394]

Let me make a correction- Babb wasn't done wrong by a lot of ppl, just a few. I never heard him talk negative about anyone. He was so down to earth, generous, just a great guy:-)

[@mv9787]

What an amazing rhythm section

[@karibgold5394]

I watch this and miss my longtime friend so much! I remember when Babbitt called me before the movie came out, he was so excited!!

[@williamrolls8075]

Hello Kari

[@donmeyers3090]

Joan Kicks ass!! Funk Brothers too, obviously. THANK YOU Funk Brothers!!!

[@Madminute1968]

Excellent, also the Wrecking Crew (The Wall Of Sound), had the premier outstanding session musicians, Drums, Hal Blaine, lead guitar Tommy Tedesco, Piano, the great Leon Russell, bass guitar Carol Kaye etc.

[@taravail558]

Glen Campbell played with the wrecking Crew I believe

[@misterarthur]

what a fab version of this tune.

[@Porscheman1]

I still get tears in my eyes thinking of all the GREAT music they created and the artists that owe their careers to them! I have watched, listened and shed tears while researching their history. These were real men, real brothers that stuck together, no matter what - even through the race riots in Detroit. They may be gone but certainly their music will remain a Legacy! Thank you the families that gave so much. I am truly humbled each day & thank each and every one of you for making real, happy music!

[@danroose3813]

I wear my Funk Brothers T shirt regularly, educating people all the time on their greatness, never forget the heart of the music and its creators...✌

[@paulhyland7456]

Well, I learned something today. Years ago I hears about the wrecking crew, but today (At age 54) I learned about the Funk Brothers!

[@jonnyweiss6083]

I’m a Motown and The Funk Brothers Fan! Jonny Weiss “Love.” 🎶

[@kevindimauro9689]

This was an amazing period in time for music. Not only did you have the MoTown sound, but there were also the Beatles , the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones. So many contrasts but all still popular music.

[@alchemicalsoul78]

Their genius highlighted the genius that was Gerald Levert.

[@bflathead]

Saw them perform in NYC. What a thrill. I purchased a Funk Brothers t shirt and they all signed it. I love MOTOWN..

[@paulnash7630]

Just found this awesome film on KZbin, god that rendition of "Heatwave" with Joan Osborne singing and the fabulous "Funk Brother's" brought back so many memories of the 60's and Motown, this music will last forever

[@sherristover264]

I JUST LOVE IT ! Can't get enough !

[@TheNelsonmonteiro]

Wow! That signature snare drum sound.

[@bobc2987]

Motown Music, music that will make ya get up and dance at your own funeral.

[@iansouthward7991]

There is no other music like Motown to make you feel music and I mean feel...... you get it from the first note.... get into a Stevie or Marvin track and nothing else matters. Listen to Jameson's bass and that funk brothers groove and the world could disappear.... Its really that powerful.

[@Kemet3.0]

Yes.... but you do have to add SOS. The Philadelphia Sound., Solar Records and then the 80’s when Ohio took over starting with the Ohio Players. Of course, Motown and Detroit was the DNA of American sound. I wish we get back to musicians playing real instruments. Hip Hop dominated has been to long. Although, my generation invented it.... HipHop went in the wrong direction.

[@muzicree8ta245]

It is so amazing it's almost indescribable!

[@MrDarkElement]

​@@Kemet3.0 Hip-Hop started out as Jazz. It was like a clean interpretation of the Spoken Word, just like in the late 1950's when R&B, Motown Records, was coming into focus. Beatnik Coffee Shops, Art, Poetry, Jazz and percussion was the thing. Spoken Word (Def Jam) in the 1980's was a re-formation of that era. All good until they silenced the breath of the Creator manifested in the brass horn.. Naz's Father was the last to blow the trumpet in the Hip-Hop scene. I am glad to hear and see The Funk Brothers get their props, long overdue. Outstanding!

[@jerrysterling7023]

Joan the way you walked up to that microphone girl you own the world then

[@tomek9966]

was born 20 years too late and missed all of this

[@hank1519]

Funk was was a great renaissance in popular music

[@davestratton460]

Motown always gives me a good feeling, Joan Osborne is a plus.

[@steveh7108]

They are absolutely amazing ! Any music lover should buy the video Standing in the shadows of Motown That's what this segment was taken from and if you buy it you won't be disappointed. These musicians deserve more recognition then they ever got

[@tjvanderloop1686]

Awesome Hits by the "Soul of Motown"...Go Funk Brothers. T J (Tom) Vanderloop

[@addictedtobed]

I watched this documentary yesterday and I was smiling all the time, not to mention that I was getting crazy during these songs. I really can't say anything but than a big thank you to these guys, the funk brothers. I am trully, really gratefull. Good for the soul!!!

[@adrianlyord5300]

The only other band who equals the Funk Brothers is James Browns' number of musicians that he had over the years! Simply .... Kudos to the Funk Brothers and James Browns' funky people!

[@armstronglance]

Absolutely my favorite sound from the 60's. thank you funk brothers!

[@PumaOGV]

Thanks for the upload

[@cookmoore3736]

A good jazz groove like the wall of sound.

[@fallindowndrunk]

oh my god Joan Osborne! She singing her azz off!!

[@ElizabethFinn-kt7ye]

Motown is the best music Ever!,,

[@blastoff2022]

The Funk Brothers - the word GENIUS -comes to mind. 😉

[@adriancalin8688]

Born inRUMANIA THE RADIO WERE NOYNTING BUT I WAS LUCKY TO BE HOOKED ON MOTOWN SOUND

[@v6monza535]

I think they were the most versatile band EVER!!

[@rayo1371]

great interview of Ray Parker Jr by Christian McBride on his show Lowdown where they discuss the Funk Brothers .. unbelievable that THEY were behind most of the Motown stuff during those years ..

[@falanajerido875]

Funk brothers the best

[@magmony]

Ive watched this over and over...music greatness!

[@lightwayacoustics]

+Tom Cole you should see him play in his living room everyday (joe messina that is)... he turned 87 today and im telling ya... i cant keep up with his fingers... hahhaa

[@Kenteman]

+Adam Messina Your grandfather has probably forgotten more music than most musicians play in a lifetime. He's a living legend. I hope he continues to be well.

[@lightwayacoustics]

he's doing great.. saw him today... hes a jolly man

[@jackhughes8439]

+Adam Messina You must be so proud.I get upset just thinking about the funk brothers. We all owe them so much. To those guys that climbed to the top.I say "You were carried,,,,,,by silent genius's,,,,and you never looked back"

[@gloriastuart7598]

The sax man is mean with that sax,play it baby!

[@kevinmckeaveney158]

No words for to describe.

[@Astronomater]

this brought me so much joy to listen and watch!

[@elizabethfinn6174]

The future funk brother's rock! I have that video, I love it . The deputy dog comment touches my.funny bone. thanks.

[@williamrolls8075]

Hello Elizabeth

[@user-kz5ud7yc7v]

Absolutely the greatest musicians ever assembled!!! 6:14

[@jimmarshall5453]

Beautifully shot and recorded.

[@BILLYLAMB76]

this band had more number one hits then any other band, yet very few know who they are.

[@vincenagut6257]

Good old days...

[@Spikefade]

The greatest musicians in history.

[@hehatemedavis1937]

Go head on Gerald! I never seen this r.i.p king!

[@ringaleavo]

Excellent, you've got my vote!

[@johnbrocklehurst3570]

2016 and still listening long live Motown.

[@Ojb_1959]

Wah Wah Watson on guitar

[@fussymuaythai8720]

lets not ever forget all these super greats : 1 ) salsoul orchestra , 2 ) John Davis & The Monster Orchestra or 3 ) M.F.S.B. , 4 ) Van Ma Coy-Soul City Symphony., 5 ) Barry White & Love Unlimited Orchestra, 6 ) Casablanca disco Orchestra, 7) Alec R. Cosiandinos & The Syn- cophonic ... there were many excellent music making machines . bye

[@MyRobertallen]

'Deputy dog could sing (backed by FB)'. Hilarious. Benjamin + Jameson = Rhythmic Heaven

[@SunnyIlha]

0:46 When you feel LOST! And about to GIVE UP!

[@ckrein414]

Promo line for the documentary film "Standing in the Shadow of Motown" about the Funk Bros: " The greatest hit machine in the history of popular music." This video is like a trailer for the documentary. Do yourself a favor and see the documentary if you haven't already.

[@jennifursun3303]

sadly youtube doesn't have the whole thing

[@ckrein414]

jennifur sun , Yeah, but it's a full length film so I don't expect they would post something that long.

[@jennifursun3303]

Chuck Kreinar well they have full length Beatles Movies which i think are 2 hours at least. and stilll soooooo wish i could have seen these guys in person

[@falanajerido875]

Keeping the four tops alive

[@dannycorser]

I talked to Joe Messina about this he has no bad feelings at all .He said I was hired to do a Job ! He is such a sweet man I'm going to jam with him in December , I can't wait !

[@mikemanager9505]

I had a long chat with a very knowledgeable customer about the band. Nice to see them getting some recognition for their exceptional talent.

[@clairerobsin]

@2.51 ...'if it's true, I would believe it" I love that!

[@clairerobsin]

Joan you are Wwwwonderful!!!

[@marcchestnut9077]

it would've been nice of Barry Gordy to have Compensated the Funk Brothers for all the hits they played on

[@shirleythompson3065]

Barry Gordy will get his just rewards. For the way he cheated and treated the Funk Brothers.

[@MrRon1124]

The Funk Brothers WERE compensated. No one put a gun to their heads and forced them to play; they loved it and you can hear it in the music. Had they not been spending their time and talent laying down those Killer tracks for the Motown assembly line, they would have been doing it at Ford Motor Company. Before Motown you could count the major black entertainment stars on one hand with two fingers missing. So, all of the black entertainment stars out there now, and there is a lot of them, should give thanks for the sacrifices of those who came before them. Motown could never have happened at any other time or any other place. I'm even proud of my contribution as a devotee from the very very beginning, before there was label and Berry was writing songs for Jackie Wilson: Lonely Tear Drops. ☺

[@williamwatt7874]

I'm old school you see Barry Gordy if I was him and have 700 or 800 million dollars all of my employees from that era would live very comfortable for life because I could not spend all that money by my self

[@derekec]

The session guys always seem to comment that the rock playing was way dumbed down for their jazz backgrounds, but on film they always seem to be having a damn good time. But then at it's core that's what rock is all about isn't it?

[@michaelrussomano5665]

Straight up fire! Props to the old school!!

[@johnbarnett6924]

James Jameson and Abebraham Lamborell Are most recognized,that's the music industry back in the day. j w B.

[@mr.crapper7197]

Studio Musicians and I mean GOOD!

[@RockinRobin411]

There was another documentary where the songwriters really praised them, but commented that not only were they good musicians, but they could read sheet music. It made things a lot easier having musicians who could read. When I was in my first semester of college, a classmate in the basic music theory class ranted about all the big names not needing to know their music theory (and we're talking about the very basics, like what a half note, perfect fifth, and major scale are, not all the 18th century rules and stuff). Although in hindsight, I could have mentioned Miles Davis and Prince, the Funk Brothers were the ones who came to mind.

[@marloncorey5787]

Love motown.. (saludos desde Perú)

[@jetblackknight4638]

TO ALL THAT TURN THEIR THUMBS DOWN YOU SHOULD RECOGNIZE THESE MEN AND WOMEN LAY THE FOUNDATION OF WHAT YOU ONLY ATTEMPT TO PLAY ENOUGH SAID.

[@analyzingfunny]

Those drums sound amazing with headphones

[@marlonberend8041]

I've worked for GRP and the West coast jazz assembly.....the best in musicology.....

[@lenorem.7889]

Check it out......Long overdue Props.

[@Elssa1]

They were the wind behind the wings.

[@edilhernani]

Excelente tema, ademas fue muy reeditado ...

[@annagarber3939]

I grew up in Detroit. Motown is Detroit. how I remember. wish I could go back

[@williamrolls8075]

Hello Anna

[@guttormurthorfinnsson8758]

gooood stuff

[@mitchcosentino674]

Agree with the Wrekking Cru proclamation totally. Well said

[@x10xdeepx]

i wish i lived in this era...

[@kirksr]

I have always loved music and Dj I would make it fun and if anyone know who played music for Motown they earn money I was surprised I didn't pay out any money. I love the funk brothers with out them no Motown

[@derekec]

Guess the sound can be captured anywhere, so long as you've got the musicians and or with the voices. Put me in the Hitsville studio and you'll probably still get my bedroom sound.

[@dankropp4585]

What becomes of the broken hearted……the best