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“Who?” is one of the most painful comments an accomplished artist can hear. The Funk Brothers, the Motown studio band behind the dazzling, recognizable rhythms and riffs that captivated millions of fans before a single note was sung, endured that remark for 40 years.
I was one of those oblivious fans. As much as I loved listening to Martha and the Vandellas or the Temptations, and as much as the stories of Tammi Terrell and Paul Williams saddened me, it was the Funk Brothers’ story that inspired Inspired by nature - Artist Robert Tucker talks about himself and his artist experience in this exclusive article. Inspired by nature The glorious portal of a new year is again upon me. My mind has wondered since the start of 2008 as to which direction my creative self will take. For me a torrent of feelings were released in… me the most.
Before Motown’s incredible success left them behind, they were content just playing music.
In the 1950s, Detroit clubs Trance Music - Free Flowing Electronica - Have you ever found yourself dancing in a club, utterly absorbed in the melody, feeling as if the trance music is flowing through you and guiding your body's movements? This is an experience I've had numerous times during carefree nights at local techno clubs I've often wondered which type of techno generates this unforgettable sensation… were brimming with talent. Some performers played with a sophisticated jazz beat, while others had more countrified R&B and blues backgrounds. Many excelled in both styles. However, only a few caught the interest of Mickey Stevenson, the Artists and Repertoire director searching for musicians to bring back to Hitsville.
In 1959, the Motown studio band began to take form. Led by the bluesy pianist Joe Hunter (not to be confused with singer-songwriter Ivory Joe Hunter), the group was further solidified by big band drummer William “Benny” Benjamin and innovative bassist James Jamerson. This duo alone would significantly impact the music scene and create the iconic Motown Sound.
Soon, other essential members of The Funk Brothers joined the ensemble. Guitarist Eddie Willis brought his southern-infused rhythms, accompanied by his fellow guitarist Joe Messina and their reliable, melodious counterpart, Robert White.
These three were not the only ones to form dynamic duos within the group. Richard Allen showcased his talents by skillfully twirling his drumsticks in sync with, or as an alternative to, Benjamin’s drumming.
The Motown Sound was also enriched by less conventional elements. Eddie “Bongo” Brown contributed an exotic flair with instruments such as bongos, congas, and gourds. Jack Ashford’s diverse skill set allowed him to assume various roles, including vibraphonist, tambourine player, wood block percussionist, tap dancer, and hand clapper, among others.
In many ways, this band was the Motown hit machine.
However, their sound was anything but mechanical. The drummers propelled the music forward with a relentless shuffle. Jamerson’s bass lines weaved circles and zigzags, defying convention. The guitarists’ licks intertwined with one another, creating a powerful backbeat.
On acoustic or electric piano, organ, and harpsichord, the keyboardists glided effortlessly, while the mellow rhythms of Brown’s bongos and Ashford’s imaginative, striking percussion added richness. When you heard all these elements combined, you recognized it as the unmistakable Motown Sound.
Motown wanted this sound available around the clock. At its peak from 1963 to 1967, the musicians had to record whenever needed, regardless of whether they were prepared for the calls. Jamerson and Benjamin were especially indispensable.
Motown was highly protective of its signature sound. Exclusive contracts prohibited the musicians from working with other labels—at least on paper. Despite earning less than union standards during that time, they secretly collaborated with companies like Ric-Tic and songwriters like Burt Bacharach and Hal Davis.
The Funk Brothers’ work extended beyond the studio. Tours with Jackie Wilson and recording sessions in Chicago and as far south as Atlanta took them across the country.
Nevertheless, Detroit provided their most familiar gigs. Sessions at the Chit Chat Club, the Twenty Grand, and Phelps’ Lounge brought them back to their jazz and R&B roots.
Back at Motown, Norman Whitfield’s “psychedelic soul” ushered them into the pop future. New technology ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence - With ChatGPT, we find ourselves in the midst of a technological revolution these days. Many people are oblivious to it. For instance, my wife, who isn't very tech-savvy, has no idea how crucial these years are for the future of the next generations. Artificial intelligence is here, many will lose their jobs, and new technologies… made their music more lush and intense. Guitarists Dennis Coffey and Melvin “Wah Wah Watson” Ragin infused a cosmic flair into the mix.
Fans loved the result and credited the singers for the captivating sound.
Even at its peak, Motown continued to exclude the musicians’ names from records. Between that, the underwhelming wages, as well as the stricter musical plans, the Funk Brothers were not satisfied.
Then came a much worse blow. Benny Benjamin died in 1968. He was just in his 30s.
Motown finally indexed musician names in Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On in 1971.
Fame at last? Not very. The upcoming year, with small see, Motown Records moved to Los Angeles. Again, the Funk Brothers got left behind.
The members eventually spread across clubs in Detroit or sessions in L.A. And which was basically that.
Fast forward to 1983. To the anniversary event Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. To its musings found on the Motown Sound and praise for the singers, songwriters, and Berry Gordy. To the TV audience who loved the unique and returned to their lives without hearing 1 word about the musicians.
Months after attending the show and viewing Motown disregard him more blatantly than ever, James Jamerson, 45, died from a mixture of pneumonia and cirrhosis of the liver.
Eddie Brown passed later that same year.
How more Funk Brothers might not receive their due in lifetime?
Even at its peak, Motown persisted in omitting the musicians’ names from records. Coupled with the underwhelming wages and stricter musical guidelines, the Funk Brothers were left discontented.
Then came an even more devastating blow. Benny Benjamin passed away in 1968, aged only in his 30s.
It wasn’t until 1971, with Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, that Motown finally included musician names on a record.
Fame at last? Not quite. The following year, Motown Records relocated to Los Angeles with little notice, leaving the Funk Brothers behind once more.
The members eventually dispersed, performing in clubs around Detroit or recording sessions in L.A., and that was essentially the end.
Fast forward to 1983, to the anniversary event Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. The show reflected on the Motown Sound and celebrated the singers, songwriters, and Berry Gordy. However, the TV audience didn’t hear a single mention of the musicians.
Months after attending the event and witnessing Motown’s blatant disregard for him, James Jamerson, aged 45, passed away due to a combination of pneumonia and cirrhosis of the liver.
Eddie Brown also died later that same year.
How many more Funk Brothers would be denied the recognition they deserved during their lifetime?
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
