RIP to the Funk Brothers!! My uncle Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson brought a whole different sound and he made that change to LA and was LA session player until he passed away! He played on Carwash, Let’s Get It On, Maxwell’s first cd Urban Hang Suite and countless hit records and artist!! Thanks so much for mentioning him because he is always overlooked!!!!!
My sisters began working for Motown from its beginning and remained until its move to the west coast. The atmosphere at Motown/Hitsville was congenial and relaxed to say the least and upon my discharge from the military it allowed me to rub shoulders with many if not all of the greats. That The Funk Brothers "made Motown" is an understatement. The baddest band ever. May they all R.I.P.
In addition to the Funk Brothers, there was another studio band that joined the Funk Brothers which was the Detroit Symphony Orchestra where they added the horns and strings to their Motown sound. Both the Funk Brothers and DSO had many Motown hits during the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Before they joined Motown, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra released a series of classical albums on Mercury’s “Living Presence” series during the 1950’s and 1960’s. While DSO was under contract with Mercury Records, they joined Motown with the Funk Brothers and added strings and horns for all of Motown’s biggest hits. After the Funk Brothers disbanded in 1972, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra continue to perform classical music and performing in concerts, and they’re still around today. DSO continues to do classical albums long after departing from Motown.
Dennis Coffey assembled several Funk Brothers to record the Smash hit "Scorpio" in Late 1971. The song was a major component in the success in the beginning of the "Soul Train" TV Series
Bruh, I love your channel! My parents raised me heavily on Motown and The Beatles, I love learning as much as I can about all the Motown artists and in particular The Funk Brothers. And as a bassist, I can wholeheartedly say that James Jamerson and the Motown sound is one of the biggest reasons I ever wanted to play the bass. Thanks for your videos, I’ll definitely be watching.
Some of The Funk Brothers, like James Jamison, chose not to go to California because they didn't want to leave their families behind. Family is the most important thing. And, Berry Gordy should have known that better than anybody. So, he was wrong in not letting The Funk Brothers in on his plans ahead of time so that maybe, some of them would reconsider and take their families with them to California, and maintain that distinctive Motown sound.
Could you please do a piece on The Detroit Symphony during the 60s because they, too, were responsible for hundreds if not thousands of Motown hits. Those strings, especially, were out of this world.😊
@chrystal0411 Jamerson and Eddie Bongo did go to Cali. Jamerson had success for a while, but he missed his Detroit support system. And without it, he declined rapidly. Both men died in LA, a few months apart in 1983.
Eddie Willis, Robert White, and Joe Messina played so many funky guitar licks! Man... Dont 4get about Bobbye Hall. She was a conga player in the 60's with Motown and she's still playing as of this writing. Also Jack Brokensha from Australia was a vibe/marimba/percussionist with them as well in the 60's. Stevie Wonder was an honorary Funk Brother, as he learned so much from them.
I love Eddie "Chank" Willis guitar lick. That "Chank" guitar lick gave Motown an Identity that no other record company could duplicate. For instance "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" was the song that gave Motown that swinging sound. Jack Ashford is the last original member of The Funk Brothers that's still living.
Love the content! My father raised me up on this wonderful music. He passed last year but this great music keeps all the great times fresh for me . Thank you for videos
When I visited Detroit, I stopped by Motown. I picked up the CD the Funk Brothers and I have been hooked on them ever since. Their instrumentals as a group are essentially a lost art. It will never, ever be duplicated again no matter how much anyone tries. It just saddens me how mistreated they were when they blessed us with their talent and how unrecognized they were before their passing.
Thank you for your diligence in putting these videos together. I enjoy them. I know it takes a lot of work to put all of this info together. I'm familiar with the stories of some of the artist you feature. But I do have to mention that occasionally, there is some inaccuracies with the photos you display. In this particular video, you showed a photo of the Soul Brothers, but it was actually, The Tramps from Philly. During the section about producers, you mentioned Frank Wilson, but the pic displayed was of Jerry Butler. Once again, keep up the good work. Keep the young folk informed of the musical artist that paved the way! 😊 👍🏾
Thank you my young brother for recognizing the greatest band to ever pick up instruments. A side note: Barry Gordy hated the "what's going on" album and held up it's release for two or three years. And it was the first Motown album to credit the musicians by name. They absolutely loved Marvin Gaye for giving them way overdue credit.
Thank you for the shout-out! I am going to join your patron universe on my next payday ( which is something I haven't done with any of my favorite channels.) Your knowledge of music and musical artist of my time period is nothing short of remarkable!!! And I certainly appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. Looking forward to many more. Can you do one on Patrice Holloway who I met briefly in the late 70's or early 80's. She was the younger sister of Motown artist Brenda Holloway who had the hit single ( every little bit hurts.) Patrice was a wonderful woman and was the voice of one of the singers on Josie and the pussycats. Thanks again young brother!!!
Thank you young man for the end photos of Eddie Willis and Joe Messina. My Dad, Eddie Willis, was with Motown starting in 1959, Messina shortly after. My Dad did move to Cali but not for long. He then went on the road with Eddie Kendricks and finally with the Four Tops for 20 years.
The one photo of the band in uniforms with their instruments is Philadelphia’s Trammps, not the Funk Bros. Motown kept them in the studio and they never wore uniforms.
Berry Gordy did all of those musicians wrong ...He was Dirty and conniving and I hope that one day the real truth will come out about this snake...He would not have been nothing without the funk brothers and Holland Dozier Holland.... Someone needs to speak up about all of the injustices that took place with this snake at Motown... I have heard some stories...
Now I have read a lineup of The Capitols' Cool Jerk, it does not seem as though The Funk Brothers were connected. I never thought it sounded quite like them, or as good.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
RIP to the Funk Brothers!! My uncle Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson brought a whole different sound and he made that change to LA and was LA session player until he passed away! He played on Carwash, Let’s Get It On, Maxwell’s first cd Urban Hang Suite and countless hit records and artist!! Thanks so much for mentioning him because he is always overlooked!!!!!
Oh wow that’s so cool he was your uncle! Your uncle is literally a legend and music royalty. I know you are so proud 🙏🏽❤️
OH WOW! Your uncle was a GREAT musician and an inspiration to all who chose the guitar as their ax
@@PharaohLawLess1 Facts and thanks for the comment!!!!!!!
WBPTV… gives people that don’t get mentioned a lot their flowers. RIP to your Uncle!!
I know who Wah Wah was. A phenomenal guitar player, who along with Dennia Coffey changed rhe Motown sound. RIP brother.
No funk brothers no Motown.
Soo much material for a Motown TV series...thank you sir 😁
Thank you for covering the Funk Brothers! ❤ What was Motown without them?
The Funk Brothers are legendary. Love this story. Thank you.
My sisters began working for Motown from its beginning and remained until its move to the west coast. The atmosphere at Motown/Hitsville was congenial and relaxed to say the least and upon my discharge from the military it allowed me to rub shoulders with many if not all of the greats. That The Funk Brothers "made Motown" is an understatement. The baddest band ever. May they all R.I.P.
In addition to the Funk Brothers, there was another studio band that joined the Funk Brothers which was the Detroit Symphony Orchestra where they added the horns and strings to their Motown sound. Both the Funk Brothers and DSO had many Motown hits during the 1960’s and early 1970’s.
Before they joined Motown, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra released a series of classical albums on Mercury’s “Living Presence” series during the 1950’s and 1960’s.
While DSO was under contract with Mercury Records, they joined Motown with the Funk Brothers and added strings and horns for all of Motown’s biggest hits. After the Funk Brothers disbanded in 1972, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra continue to perform classical music and performing in concerts, and they’re still around today. DSO continues to do classical albums long after departing from Motown.
Mr. Tambourine Man Jack Ashford is the soul survivor of the Funk Brothers.
Yes the living survivor only one Jack Ashford.
Props and thanks to all musicians, living or dead, who helped craft the Motown sound; Writers and producers included. But Jamerson is truly my dude!
The Fabulous Funk Brothers & creators of the legendary Motown Sound. 💥🎶🎼🎵
Dennis Coffey assembled several Funk Brothers to record the Smash hit "Scorpio" in Late 1971. The song was a major component in the success in the beginning of the "Soul Train" TV Series
That's song is Flamonious!
Bruh, I love your channel! My parents raised me heavily on Motown and The Beatles, I love learning as much as I can about all the Motown artists and in particular The Funk Brothers. And as a bassist, I can wholeheartedly say that James Jamerson and the Motown sound is one of the biggest reasons I ever wanted to play the bass. Thanks for your videos, I’ll definitely be watching.
Berry was wrong to leave most of them behind in Detroit while he took the company to LA.
Yes Berry was wrong leaving the Funk Brothers behind should have took them with him to Los Angeles.
Mr. Gordy was also wrong for not giving them proper credit and compensation. And for fining them when they took extra gigs to make ends meet.
Some of The Funk Brothers, like James Jamison, chose not to go to California because they didn't want to leave their families behind. Family is the most important thing. And, Berry Gordy should have known that better than anybody. So, he was wrong in not letting The Funk Brothers in on his plans ahead of time so that maybe, some of them would reconsider and take their families with them to California, and maintain that distinctive Motown sound.
Could you please do a piece on The Detroit Symphony during the 60s because they, too, were responsible for hundreds if not thousands of Motown hits. Those strings, especially, were out of this world.😊
@chrystal0411 Jamerson and Eddie Bongo did go to Cali. Jamerson had success for a while, but he missed his Detroit support system. And without it, he declined rapidly. Both men died in LA, a few months apart in 1983.
Eddie Willis, Robert White, and Joe Messina played so many funky guitar licks! Man... Dont 4get about Bobbye Hall. She was a conga player in the 60's with Motown and she's still playing as of this writing. Also Jack Brokensha from Australia was a vibe/marimba/percussionist with them as well in the 60's. Stevie Wonder was an honorary Funk Brother, as he learned so much from them.
mr Eddie and Mr Joe was such nice people
Will be cool. 🥰
I love Eddie "Chank" Willis guitar lick. That "Chank" guitar lick gave Motown an Identity that no other record company could duplicate. For instance "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" was the song that gave Motown that swinging sound. Jack Ashford is the last original member of The Funk Brothers that's still living.
Thank you.
Love the content! My father raised me up on this wonderful music. He passed last year but this great music keeps all the great times fresh for me . Thank you for videos
When I visited Detroit, I stopped by Motown. I picked up the CD the Funk Brothers and I have been hooked on them ever since. Their instrumentals as a group are essentially a lost art. It will never, ever be duplicated again no matter how much anyone tries. It just saddens me how mistreated they were when they blessed us with their talent and how unrecognized they were before their passing.
I never knew they wrote so many hits. And it’s heartbreaking most of them have transitioned. Good story overall 👏🏾.
1:26
They were all as old, if not older, than Berry. And they didn't have the capital that Berry had to live healthier.
This was a great video, this band did a lot of great work and deserves all of their flowers… thank you WBPTV
I never heard of them . Always a history lesson with u. They were behind lots of hits . I clearly remember Chairman Of The Board . I love that song .
Thanks for this Back story John Barnett revisited Tuesday September 3rd 2024
I bought the documentary about the Funk Bros on Amazon years ago after initially seeing the same documentary on Showtime
Wow. I didn't know they played on a lot of hit records for different artists.
Thank you for your diligence in putting these videos together. I enjoy them. I know it takes a lot of work to put all of this info together. I'm familiar with the stories of some of the artist you feature. But I do have to mention that occasionally, there is some inaccuracies with the photos you display. In this particular video, you showed a photo of the Soul Brothers, but it was actually, The Tramps from Philly. During the section about producers, you mentioned Frank Wilson, but the pic displayed was of Jerry Butler. Once again, keep up the good work. Keep the young folk informed of the musical artist that paved the way! 😊 👍🏾
Thank you my young brother for recognizing the greatest band to ever pick up instruments. A side note: Barry Gordy hated the "what's going on" album and held up it's release for two or three years. And it was the first Motown album to credit the musicians by name. They absolutely loved Marvin Gaye for giving them way overdue credit.
Thank you for the shout-out! I am going to join your patron universe on my next payday ( which is something I haven't done with any of my favorite channels.) Your knowledge of music and musical artist of my time period is nothing short of remarkable!!! And I certainly appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. Looking forward to many more. Can you do one on Patrice Holloway who I met briefly in the late 70's or early 80's. She was the younger sister of Motown artist Brenda Holloway who had the hit single ( every little bit hurts.) Patrice was a wonderful woman and was the voice of one of the singers on Josie and the pussycats. Thanks again young brother!!!
Thank you for your research 🎉
BEST BAND EVER PERIOD THANKS MR EDDIE AND MR JOE FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP
Such a shame these amazing guys weren't given credit. Motown wouldn't have been amazing without them x
Good video 🥰
What about the woman who played bongos, too?
Bobbye Hall. She was very active in California as well playing on Carole King's "Tapestry" among many others.
@Maltloaflegrande thanks for that info. Glad she wasn't left behind. Would you happen to remember her name?
@@nicollantiago Bobbye Hall.
@@Maltloaflegrande Thanks so much.
Thank you young man for the end photos of Eddie Willis and Joe Messina. My Dad, Eddie Willis, was with Motown starting in 1959, Messina shortly after. My Dad did move to Cali but not for long. He then went on the road with Eddie Kendricks and finally with the Four Tops for 20 years.
loved your dad
Was looking at Robert Willie White. Wow
See you then
REST IN ETERNAL PEACE. KEEP IT FUNKY, MY BROTHERS ❤💯
The one photo of the band in uniforms with their instruments is Philadelphia’s
Trammps, not the Funk Bros. Motown
kept them in the studio and they never
wore uniforms.
❤
Berry Gordy did all of those musicians wrong ...He was Dirty and conniving and I hope that one day the real truth will come out about this snake...He would not have been nothing without the funk brothers and Holland Dozier Holland.... Someone needs to speak up about all of the injustices that took place with this snake at Motown... I have heard some stories...
Yes Motown was notorious for screwing their artists. Financially creatively physically.
Bob BABBITT WAS THE BASS PLAYER ON BAND OF GOLD
Now I have read a lineup of The Capitols' Cool Jerk, it does not seem as though The Funk Brothers were connected. I never thought it sounded quite like them, or as good.
Bob Babbitt played on that record, but before he started working at Motown and became a funk brother.
At the 28 second mark when you say" The Funk Brothers is the subject of today's video" You show a picture of a band. These are not The Funk Brothers.
You forgot about Dennis Coffee
You made an mistake showing the
TRAMMPS who was never on motown 👈🏿🤔
the real Funks were just 13 people