British guitarist analyses Funk Brothers ft.Joan Osborne with What Becomes of the Broken Hearted

She was SELECTED by the funk brothers. She is OUTSTANDING.

[@oldmanriver1955]

At the end she turned to everyone and asked 'What the fuck just happened?' She felt possessed. Brilliant and my favourite version, full volume, windows down - and I am 66yo.

[@steelbat54]

Every time I hear Joan’s performance of this classic it gives me chills... thanks for showcasing this magic, Fil.. 👍

[@joecummings9662]

And love is like a heatwave standing in the shadows of Motown is the greatest musical documentary I’ve ever seen

[@thunderstick5775]

I had the pleasure of seeing The Funk Brothers with Joan Osborne doing this song (among many many others) at the Paramount Theater in Oakland back after the movie 1st came out. This song blew the roof off the place! I swear the soundman turned it up for this song too! Addtionally, when they played Shotgun the balcony started "giving" under our feet from all the people up and dancing! One of my top 5 concerts of all time!!

[@Rich915]

Lucky You…The Paramont is a great venue. Would’ve luved to have been there see/hear Joan Osborne w/ The Funk Bros…

[@tommccarthy3052]

@thunderstick5775 - Saw the show in NYC. Smaller venue than The Paramount (Bay Area native, been there many times). Open floor, no seats so I got as close up as I could. Great show and same reaction to this song.

[@luvfinger]

@@Rich915 I agree, LUCKY to attend such a classic lineup and ousdtanding performance! I went to numerious shows at the Oakland Paramont in the 70s specifically, to see BOZ

[@erwinmonti5066]

I have probably listened to Joan Osborne do this song at least a 150 times and it is absolutely fantastic and incredible tribute to Mr. Ruffin on the great song that he did. I'm always taking back. Bye? The incredible talents. That the? Funk brothers. Jonas. P*** and even new. Yourself? Have. When? You can explain how you do in detail to the notes and this Annette which I don't even come close to understanding. I only know one thing people like you. The funk brothers Joan and all the other great entertainers are not just regular people that came here. To entertain us you were specially picked. I believe by God and sent here to give us the incredible things you do. I certainly hope there's a heaven because all these people will be up there and I'll be able to hear him again and meet them and talk to them. I wish that could be possible down here on Earth. Our artists are never allowed to mingle much with the people that they entertain but they certainly should be because we have a great. Deep feeling for you people that is never exposed but I hope you understand that it is deeply felt every time we hear one of these incredible songs God. Bless you all.

[@bobcole612]

My absolute favorite cover of this song. From the Funk Brothers documentary “Standing in the Shadows of Motown”. Urial Jones and Pistol Allen staying perfectly in the pocket on drums is beyond awesome.

[@cliverkay]

and Bob Babbit !!

[@bobcole612]

cliverkay Bob’s sense of groove and melody was just about flawless. His bass line really makes Ball of Confusion swing.

[@micheleparker8123]

I love that documentary! The Funk Brothers made some absolutely awesome and hauntingly beautiful music.💗

[@suprchickn7745]

I love watching Pistol's a absolute joy in what he does. He died very shortly after this was filmed. Joan and the rest of the band absolutely killed as well. Most of these guys have passed now. The white guy, Joe Messina, I believe is the only one still with us of all the original Funk Brothers!

[@johnmcgovern6330]

@@suprchickn7745 Jack whats his name on the vibes is till alive too

[@racinnut77]

Joan Osborne is an awesome singer. She a lot more than a "one hit wonder". Thanks for this video.

[@androlibre9661]

her catalog is amazing

[@1tishhead]

She's at the top of my list. She can jump from Dylan to Motown to Van Morrison and, oh yeah, her own stuff is amazing. Rock. Soul. Funk. Folky stuff. I'm a total fan boy even though I'm an old man.

[@abdulbasheer6551]

Definitely. One of the top 10 vocalists , male or female in my opinion.

[@surfjukie421]

She nailed this song , the Funk Brother's were amazing .

[@LindaEll]

First saw her in a tiny club in Saratoga in 1992. Just amazing. Her live version of Son of a Preacher Man is still peak Joan, in my opinion.

[@WickedFelina]

I LOVE this song and love Joan's voice. I haven't seen Fil for a few days so, when that time rolled around, I clicked the notifications to get my dose of Fil. I never realized when you miss Fil for a several days, you really DO miss him! Thank you for another great take of not only the very important technical bits, but just as important - the art! ;)

[@lynndow3185]

It's Wicked Felina with exactly the truth!

[@WickedFelina]

@@lynndow3185 Thank you SO much!

[@micheleparker8123]

My internet was off for the whole of May - I seriously had 'Fil withdrawal'!!! I feel you!

[@candaceheinemann4574]

Fil is great - don't want to bother him after what you wrote

[@jtclaf]

To be honest I really never heard of Joan Osborne until a friend told me to watch " Standing in the Shadows of Motown", and this girl just knocked it out of the ball park, a powerful performance that gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. She really does own this song.

[@janflewelling6277]

This was hands-down the highlight of the film. Joan's performance is stellar to be sure, but I also still get a kick out of watching the Funk Bros, especially the drummer. I made my husband watch it and he fell instantly in love.

[@larryyeargan9821]

Have listened to Joan sing this 50 times. Never gets old and still makes hair stand up on my neck. Funk Brothers....AMAZING

[@theien5929]

It takes balls to examine this performance, It is legendary. It is beyond comprehension in the world of popular music.

[@ianshortall3356]

That woman can sing, and you have demonstrated the depth of Motown music, so well written and arranged, love it...

[@suehollar2578]

I love Motown music, having grown up in Detroit. Joan does a great job on this and the Funk Brothers are awesome!

[@robincortez6586]

LOVE MOTOWN music, and LOVE The Motor City!! 🎶🎶 My favorite Motown group is The Four Tops. Levi Stubbs was one of the very best lead singers ever!! THAT VOICE!! ❤

[@originalhgc]

I was Joan's roommate for a year or two in the mid-80's in NYC, and remember the night that she got up the nerve to go out to the Abeline Cafe (long gone) on 2nd Ave/21st St for open mic night. Before long, she got a band together and was gigging regularly all over town, mainly at Nightingale's (sadly, also long gone) at 2nd Ave/13th St.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Yes ! Nightingales was, on the Northwest corner of 2nd Ave. & 13th St. Unfortunately, I never saw Joan there. But, I did see Her, Up the Block, at 'Dan Lynch's. She dropped in during a set by " the house band" on Their "Open Jam Sunday Night". She Sang this Very Same Song to a mesmerized audience. That moments before was a noisy "Jack' & Beer" crowd. And then, She "slipped away" … That's a Force of Nature !

[@Braglemaster123]

A roommate would know the difference between “ One year or Two “ so I’m not sure I believe you. No, sorry.

[@originalhgc]

@@RoaroftheTiger Yes, Dan Lynch and Nightingale's. I spent most of my evenings in those two places in my early years in the city, except the nights when my girlfriend dragged me to the Palladium or Danceteria or Tunnel. Dan Lynch closed in August 1996, and that was a sad day. Those were the days when there were no-cover music bars where you could dance to live rock or blues or other cool music. Then that fucking ghoul Rudolph Giuliani became mayor, and the issuance of cabaret licenses stopped completely. I was sure glad to be in the city in my 20's in the 80's, and not now. Now I'm too tired and old to go out dancing anyway.

[@originalhgc]

@@Braglemaster123 Roommates came went. Who can keep track? Especially after 30+ years.

[@hildegerdhaugen7864]

Cool!

[@NashvilleKat1]

I'd give this 10 thumbs up if I could! "Tell me! . . . Tell me! . . .Tell me!" Such an amazing live performance!

[@paulablissett4447]

'What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted' Is an Epic Iconic Song, i know it was one of my favorites back in the 60's..... Jimmy Ruffin made that song a HUGE HIT, and Joan's version brings it all back home..... Thanks Filip for this one, it really hit home for me, and brought back so many beautiful memories to me....

[@billweber1422]

I cannot get enough of that video. I must have played it 100 times, as it's an all-time-great performance. I had hardly even heard of Joan Osbourne before this year because I live under a rock, I guess, but now I'm a huge fan. Better late than never. I'm even learning to play that piece on the piano.

[@dawnsmoke2586]

Absolutely stunning ! Joan is fantastic ! ♥️

[@MostlyBuicks]

Joan sings with ease and power. She is very soulful without the juvenile histrionics so prevalent in so much modern pop music.

[@roncarson4330]

"I can't hold a note because I'm too talented."

[@ChristopherCudworth]

So agree

[@audiogarden21]

I love that you go into the history of music, not just the examination of it.

[@Madminute1968]

The Funk brothers, true professionals reading and playing their designated musical arrangement to perfection.

[@debravirden7130]

Another classic Motown song that stands the test of time. Today's auto tuners need to take some lessons here! It is also incredible that most young people have no clue how many song riffs have been "borrowed " from their predecessors. Joan is amazing and delivers marvelous vocals.

[@jadeblues357]

Thanks Fil, this is a great video unfortunately Joan Osborne doesn’t get as much recognition as she deserves she deserves a whole hell of a lot more thanks again!

[@LindaEll]

She killed it! My favorite version of this song.

[@b42baritone]

I always felt that the Jimmy Ruffin song ended to soon. I dont know if the record people wanted the song to ended like it did or they wanted it cut to put it on the radio. When songs had to be recorded time limit. When I first heard Joan version I was taken away. Her voice is perfect and the ending was extended. This song is one of my all time favorite. Thank you Fil.

[@aisaacbruno9660]

She's amazing, the funk brothers are from another world, they're outstanding, a piece of art, makes me feel a lot of things, they way Joan closes the song withe lyrics and at the same time a high prolooooonged note. I will never get tired of watching this and the other performances from this documentary. Thank you for this ❤

[@thomaswright5492]

I had the good fortune to hear Joan and the few remaining Funk Brothers about 20 years ago and every time I see this video from Standing in the Shadows of Motown, I am taken back to that wonderful evening and just feel happy all over again.

[@gcatwyo]

Hard to believe this was twenty years ago. Magic moment in time.

[@catmother1989]

Wow! Thank you for this! I just saw the documentary on Amazon Prime Video ... Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Fantastic documentary! Old talent and new talent. ♥️♥️♥️

[@debbielewis6479]

The only bad thing about your reaction is that I can only give it one thumbs-up. I watched this some time ago and just revisited it again in October 2022. You do a remarkable job of breaking songs down. Kudos to you and here's the only way I know how to give you more thumbs-ups. 👍👍👍🙂

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@debbielewis6479]

@@wingsofpegasus You're welcome. You are an amazing musician and vocalist. I hope you know this about yourself. 🙂

[@Marty4650]

This was the song that made me me a HUGE fan of Joan Osborne. What an incredible talent she is. Her voice sends shivers up my spine. Bravo to Joan and the Funk Brothers.

[@johnkarnold]

Me too..

[@linnightl9277]

I have seen Standing in the Shadows of Motown well over 30 times - tears have flowed for this rendition

[@gayleash9712]

My heart is "Made in Detroit." However, Motown did The Funk Brothers a bit dirty. ...and while I love The Temps, The Miracles, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, and all of the other superstars of Motown, it was the magic of The Funk Brothers, (and the Detroit atmosphere), that made Motown the hit machine it was. Again, no disrespect to the groups of Motown, however, you could put any decent singer in front of The Funk Brothers and they would make that decent singer sound wonderful! (Joan Osborne is wonderful, however.) Thank you for showcasing some of Detroit's talent. You're awesome, Fil...

[@brucedillinger9448]

Wow! So late to the party on this performance! Joan is so great. EVERYTHING about this is golden! ✌

[@2101case]

I come back to this performance every once in a while, and I always end up watching it a dozen times. It's perfect.

[@cellgrrl]

For my husband and I, Joan's song "Ladder" became "our song". Love her voice. Thank you Fil for featuring Joan today.

[@NestingInNashville]

I also love Ladder. St. Teresa is my favorite.

[@Lockemeister]

Fil, thanks for breaking this down. One of my favorite Motown Songs. You are super talented. Wow! I feel like my IQ goes up 10 points when watching your videos!!

[@robhaunui3343]

Great breakdown of this classic,and always a treat watching that great rhythm section of Jones and Allen on drums and Babbitt on bass. One of the finest documentaries ever "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown".

[@dannysgirl1549]

Joan and the Funk brothers knock this song out of the park. 💕

[@mmccartney6579]

I saw the documentary "Standing In The Shadows of Motown" when it was released in 2002. I was born in 1944, and grew up with the very beginnings of Hitsville USA music out of Detroit, and my friends and I used to listen to all that music on the radio ( was only AM back then) and we would ask each other, "Man, that song is dynomite, but...who's playing that backing music??" After 2002, we found out, and...they NEVER really got the recognition they truly deserved!! Great review, yet again, Fil!! Cheers, mate!! :)

[@mrmiscast]

Joan Osborne has been my favorite singer for many years. Her heart and soul pour through her every performance. Add to it The Funk Brothers and Oh my God what a treat. Such perfection from everyone. Thanks for doing this for us.

[@johnvharding48]

It's so good to watch someone who appreciates this magnificent performance almost as much as I do. Even the wonderful original backing vocals (by The Andantes, presumably) are equalled by the backing vocalists on the live show - so astounding that something so unique and well-loved as the original could be adapted so wondrously. Everything about this is of the very highest calibre - including especially, of course, the superlative musicianship.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Wow Fil !! I was wondering when you would get around to this one. Joan absolutely kills this performance. Jimmy is smiling down on her no doubt. Many thanks for the skillful analysis Fil. You are the man !!

[@sandrasmith7501]

Have loved this performance since they put it up on KZbin...the girl can sang, the band and the backup singers are tight.This is such a great song, and they did it justice! TY as always for the breakdown and history! Oh, and I'm on a tablet with my headphones on... appreciating the bassline, and that steady, perfect timing of 2 drummers..14:37😁!

[@teresafinoalchemy]

Thanks so much Fil. A stunning performance of a fabulous song and sung so brilliantly by Joan. A triple treat!!

[@oldprankster7606]

What a great in-depth analysis of a tremendous live tour de force. I read a book, ostensibly by Berry Gordy, who left not just the Funk Brothers, but some of the old Motown lead vocalists in the dust as he packed his bags for LA back in the early '70s. It's a real stain on his legacy. The documentary "Standing In The Shadows of Motown" touches on what I consider a real disservice to one of the greatest sessions groups of all times, easily the equal of "The Wrecking Crew" in LA. Oh, and Joan Osborne was (and is) terrific. See can navigate her rasp like an experienced sailor works the wind in the sails.

[@mrblue8439]

Wow she has a wonderful voice. She sounds like someone who went to school with me. Current events are just too much for me and a lot of others right now. Your tapes are what we need right now Fil. Thank you for helping us out.

[@dalem8332]

EXCELLENT vocals from Joan and the Funk Brothers AMAZING as always! Thanks Fil! Enjoyed this performance! 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

[@Neicoman]

Damn! What an analysis.of what I consider one of the most fantastic songs there is. I have watched it many times and have never been able to get through it is without a tear or two in my eves. Watching your reactions are my feelings also.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@bobatl4990]

I read after that performance Joan came off the stage and said "What just happened?"....perfection just happened.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Joan rocks...!! Thank you for sharing it with us Fil.

[@gregm8522]

I’m so glad you featured this magnificent performance! Joan and The Funk Brothers are at their best - magical !

[@androlibre9661]

I can't believe this is 18 years ago! I hadnt knows of Joan but this performance made me a fan and gobbling up her music ever since. I remember buying the DVD when it came out and just being blown away by her performance. I bought the soundtrack and then I bought everything I could with Joan's name on it and she has yet to disappoint me. To try and bottle her up as just a one hit wonder (One of Us) is miss out on an AMAZING catalog of music

[@briannewell6064]

Joan Osborne please. Amazing performance.

[@yt551217]

Music, vocals, team work all too good to be true. Great analysis, thank you

[@BOOMNERD51]

I'm Motown heaven here, Fil. Thanks for analyzing this great song!

[@DrTramp-uu1hh]

Another great analysis Phil. Mad respect for Joan and the Funk Brothers. Many of the Funk Brothers had jazz backgrounds and were great at improvising, something that they did superbly and which allowed them to easily adapt to whatever artist they were working with. I love this performance but my favorite part is Pistol Allen's little solo drum riff.

[@thomasw3892]

Was happy to see this pop up here today. I remember being blown away by this performance when I saw the documentary it's from. This is a rough time in the States right now and even though this is a sad song it absolutely warmed my heart. Thanks for the breakdown as well, Fil. Great, as usual. Everyone stay healthy and find a way to show others some empathy and love each day!

[@lynndow3185]

...and here I was all bummed out today and sure that you weren't going to cheer me up, but I was wrong! Thanks for illuminating how this amazing performance was done! (Super interesting stories, too...I was REALLY wrong about being able to resist getting cheered up!)

[@tullfan7872]

Perfect blend of the singer with the band. It's like Joan's been with them forever.

[@ToddSauve]

The drummer on the right, I forget his name, was apparently dying of cancer when they made this recording. So he took a couple extra pain-killers and jumped right into it! Pretty good for a guy almost on his last legs! Playing all these great old Motown classics probably did him a world of good, on top of it all! 👌

[@turnislandsystems171]

The drummer on the right is Richard "Pistol" Allen, and he didn't tell us about his condition when we filmed this (I was one of the exec producers). He did get to see some of the pre-release scenes in the hospital before he passed away, and seeing the look of joy on his face in the film while he is playing this song makes me so glad that we made the movie. As for Joan, each song was usually performed three times, and she spectacularly nailed each and every take, probably getting even better each time. By the way, the finale for this version was arranged by Seth Justman, who is the brother of Paul Justman (the director of the film). Seth was the keyboard player for the J. Giles Band, and wrote many of their hits.

[@ToddSauve]

@@turnislandsystems171 Wow! That is all such cool information to learn! Thank you so much! It was, is, and always will be a great film documenting the great backing band for Motown! 💖

[@paulmorris8762]

@@turnislandsystems171 Joan nailed I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Heatwave also - I also love her cover of Aint No Sunshine

[@bonniegallagher2131]

Magic. It just doesn't get any better than this.

[@sectortech12b8]

Joan absolutely did a fantastic job and loved her twist

[@frieda842]

Thank you for breaking this down to us. Excellent job!! This song I’ve played repeatedly so much that I seriously can’t guess how many times. You’re absolutely correct EVERYONE on this version (musicians, background singers, Joan) were on point and you can hear each fulfilling their part! Jimmy would be so proud that his hit is indeed classic. By the way can we just mention the heartfelt WORDS! 🥰

[@vickielewallen3799]

Funk Brothers were so great, so sort of unknown until Standing in the Shadows, what a GREAT tribute, they so deserved it. And yes, Joan Osborne did a great job.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil..Wasn’t sure who she was, but took a listen, and was pleasantly surprised! It pays to never pass over something just because you aren’t familiar with the music! She has a great voice! Loved the Funk Brothers...I could recognize their sound. I do remember Jimmy Ruffin doing this one! Thanks for giving me something great to hear tonight! ✌️

[@sharonmuzik]

Joan Osborne...This is one of my all time favorite performances. Thank you, thank you!!

[@091053JG]

Great cover and Joan has a fabulous voice.

[@katharineatkins1347]

Joan Osborne and the Funk Brothers are so electric! Loved this song mid-60’s with Jimmy but Joan brings her own deep soul to the song. Listen to this tune multiple times a week

[@oscarcardenas7078]

Wow Love Love this song ❤❤❤👏👏👏🌟⭐🌟⭐👌👌👌 great congratulations for your analisys and vedeo🌷🌷⚘⚘..Joan is great!!!!

[@levent8208]

It just could not be better, this is close to perfection, period.

[@deokidokiza]

Joan Osborne is one of the top 10 singers alive right now, real singers that is, and this is one of her best performances and is one of my top 5 live performances EVER. Is not easy to stand in front of a band like The Funk Brothers and do justice to a classic like What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted. BTW, love the SRV t-shirt 👍

[@dandydon2541]

Joan is absolutely memorizing!!! No better version of this song is possible.

[@Joseph-wy2mq]

I get what you are saying, Kurmi. OTOH, it must be powerfully enabling for a solo singer to have that group of musicians behind you...just, WOW!

[@grievousangelic]

I LOVE this movie! My husband and I ran across it a few years ago and have watched it many times. Thanks so much for posting this analysis! Such great music.

[@blueshawk5649]

I never get tired of this video! Joan is absolutely amazing... The band is cookin

[@hezbb]

I’m just so grateful you’re still with us and doing your thing, Fil!

[@drewpall2598]

With a name like the "Funk Brothers" each musician had to be good at their instrument. Joan nail it with her vocals in this performance. another Fil's signature analysis 👍

[@Phish1995]

Thanks Fil. Joan is a Kentucky native as am I. We have lots great artists from here. She is definitely one. Thanks for your recognition

[@nissi.k]

Thanks again Fil 🙏🏻Really great analysis with loads of info a on song mechanics and also the info about “ The Funk Brothers! 🤍

[@glenkepic3208]

man, i almost passed on this, thinking "there's no way..." since I was a kid when this song was a hit on AM radio. This is great. Only thing missing was the 4 note high harmonic violin bit at the end of each chorus. Pretty amazing, especially live.

[@micheleparker8123]

Yes! LOVE the sound of those violins!!!💗

[@buddylight7595]

Perfect for this song Joan, beautiful voice. And the funk brothers are the best.

[@williamauld4083]

Phil, You absolutely amaze and inspire me with your analysis of music. You clarify why I love such diverse music. The diversity is the magic. Full of brilliance that sometimes needs the light of your insight to expose it. You explain it and it then becomes so much more understandable. Much respect. You are unique. Thanks so much. Keep up your wonderful, insightful output. Cheers mate !

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@johnkarnold]

Love this song with Joan Osborne. I listen to it very often, some weeks daily

[@DAS1962]

I remember walking out of the cinema - the standouts were Chaka Khan, and Joan. Joan is one of those amazing talents who's first hit has been more of a detriment than an assistance. She's a fabulous vocalist. (Great clip on KZbin with her and Melissa Etheridge by the way)

[@RonP51]

She not only sings the song she feels it.

[@Guardducks]

Joan's vocals fit perfectly for this song.

[@davidanderson8469]

Motown brought us all together. It's charm eclipsed any perceived differences in our peoples. What a voice and a tribute to the Motown era.

[@aprils6589]

Really liked her song 'one of us'.

[@alhaskell242]

Fil thanks for getting the funk brothers up for analysis . Joan is a amazing singer.More people need to know about these musicians.

[@debishaw9355]

What a beautiful voice and song. Love it. Didn’t know about the Funk Brothers. So great.

[@leslie8888]

Loved her voice. Forgot about her talent and need to put on playlist. Thank you 💞✌

[@marioct130]

This is perhaps my favorite performance ever!

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Gorgeous Voice ! I’m Dancing 💃!

[@nissi.k]

Thanks for the performance link and you description notes too!👌🏻

[@lorellstoneman74]

Thanks Fil...always an interesting break down, plus a great guitar lesson. Well done.

[@GrafStorm]

Great breakdown, good song to feature. Ty, nice na, na, na's btw.

[@marilynsheffield612]

Great analysis Fil. (Love your demonistration 😍). She surely puts her heart & soul into it👏. The lyrics in the this song are so sad, what becomes of the broken hearted.💔 .Have a good evening Fil.❤

[@nellgwenn]

How lucky to be at that concert.

[@nicholasjsanchez]

Thanks for doing this Fil. It was one I suggested for you.

[@joycetaylor3217]

This performance was so awesome. Joan and the Funk Bros make such an amazing collaboration!

[@davidroberts1702]

So very informative! And what you've explained also nails down the melodic hook I find in this version of the song.

[@roncarson4330]

This is great! What a find.

[@manuelcampuzano558]

Awesome job on an amazing song, Joan was singing this that night I got on stage singing "My Girl" with this band of my favorite memories at the Hammerstein Ballroom NYC 2005