This documentary mixes performances, interviews and reenactments to celebrate the Funk Brothers, the 1960s soul hitmakers. As the musicians behind the Temptations, the Four Tops and others, the "brothers" were hugely successful, yet relatively anonymous compared to the famous singers they backed. They get their due here, as Richard "Pistol" Allen, Benny "Papa Zita" Benjamin and bandmates discuss their Detroit youth, studio sessions alongside Marvin Gaye and nonstop touring.
Documentary
Director
Paul Justman
Producers
Paul Justman
Paul Elliot
David Scott
Sandford Passman
Alan Slutsky
Mary Petryshyn
Cast
Richard "Pistol" Allen
Jack Ashford
Bob Babbitt
Benny "Papa Zita" Benjamin
Eddie "Bongo" Brown
Bootsy Collins
Johnny Griffith
Ben Harper
Joe Hunter
James Jamerson
Uriel Jones
Montell Jordan
Chaka Khan
Gerald Levert
Joe Messina
Meshell Ndegeocello
Joan Osborne
Rudy Robinson
Tom Scott
Brian Marable
Writers
Paul Justman
Walter Dallas
Ntozake Shange
Alan Slutsky
More
Feature
Standing in the Shadows of Motown
Standing in the Shadows of Motown
Documentary about the Funk Brothers, a group of Detroit musicians who backed up dozens of Motown artists.