Standing in the Shadows of Motown
2002
PG, L, M
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
