The Funk Brothers were a group of Detroit-based session musicians who performed the backing to most Motown recordings from 1959 until the company moved to Los Angeles in 1972. Its members are considered among the most successful groups of studio musicians in music history.

The story of the Funk Brothers, the musicians who played on hundreds of MOTOWN hits in the 60s & 70s.

Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a 2002 American documentary film directed by Paul Justman that recounts the story of the Funk Brothers, the uncredited and largely unheralded studio musicians who were the house band that Berry Gordy hand-picked in 1959.

They are the Motown studio musicians, helping to create “the Sound of Young America” in the basement of Hitsville U.S.A. And they are unsung heroes, until the 21st century. FAST FACTS. In 1958, Berry Gordy recruits James Jamerson, whose bass is …

The Funk Brothers were Motown Records’ house band that played behind the Motown stars from 1959 to 1972. Though known in the jazz clubs of Detroit they were anonymous on Motown recordings until the 1970s when the studio acknowledged backing musicians.

Standing in the Shadows of Motown: Directed by Paul Justman. With Richard 'Pistol' Allen, Jack Ashford, Bob Babbitt, Benny 'Papa Zita' Benjamin. Documentary about the Funk Brothers, a group of Detroit musicians who backed up dozens of Motown artists.

Apr 8, 2025 · A new documentary examines the golden age of funk music, when large, often interracial bands lay down syncopated grooves that packed dance floors. ... The Brothers Johnson perform at New York's ...

Jan 8, 2023 · The Funk Brothers were a group of Detroit session musicians who played for Motown Records from roughly 1959 to 1972. Although over 50 people cycled in and out of the group over the years, 13 core members were the most consistent.

Explore The Funk Brothers's discography including top tracks, albums, and reviews. Learn all about The Funk Brothers on AllMusic.

Feb 27, 2018 · The name Funk Brothers might not be widely known, but as the 2002 documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown points out, they played on more number-one records than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley combined.