Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)
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- PG
- 1h 48min
- Documentary, Music
- 29 Nov 2002 (USA)
- Movie
Documentary about the Funk Brothers, a group of Detroit musicians who backed up dozens of Motown artists.
Director:
Writers:
Awards:
- 8 wins & 14 nominations.
- See more »
Photos and Videos
Cast
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Richard 'Pistol' Allen | ... |
Self
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| Jack Ashford | ... |
Self
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| Bob Babbitt | ... |
Self
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Benny 'Papa Zita' Benjamin | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Eddie 'Bongo' Brown | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Bootsy Collins | ... |
Self
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Johnny Griffith | ... |
Self
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| Ben Harper | ... |
Self
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| Joe Hunter | ... |
Self - 'Funk Brothers' Keyboardist
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| James Jamerson | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Uriel Jones | ... |
Self
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| Montell Jordan | ... |
Self
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| Chaka Khan | ... |
Self
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Gerald Levert | ... |
Self
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Joe Messina | ... |
Self
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| Meshell Ndegeocello | ... |
Self
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| Joan Osborne | ... |
Self
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Rudy Robinson | ... |
Self
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Tom Scott | ... |
Self
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Earl Van Dyke | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Robert White | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Eddie Willis | ... |
Self
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Brian Marable | ... |
James Jamerson
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| Andre Braugher | ... |
Narrator
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Paul Riser | ... |
Self - Motown Arranger / Producer / Songwriter
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| Steve Jordan | ... |
Self - Music Producer / Drummer
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| Eddie Holland | ... |
Self - Motown Lyricist
(as Edward Holland)
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| Don Was | ... |
Self - Producer / Bass Player
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| Otis Williams | ... |
Self - The Temptations
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| Martha Reeves | ... |
Self - Martha and the Vandellas
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James Jamerson Jr. | ... |
Self - Son of James Jamerson / Bassist
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| Brian Holland | ... |
Self - Motown Songwriter
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Lottie Claiborne | ... |
Self - Dancer
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Jay Butler | ... |
Self - Detroit DJ
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Alan Slutsky | ... |
Self
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| Dennis Coffey | ... |
Self
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Nathan Watts | ... |
Self - Stevie Wonder's Bassist
(as Nate Watts)
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Ralphe Armstrong | ... |
Self - Bassist
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Penny Jamerson | ... |
Self
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Alex Alexander | ... |
Young Marvin Gaye
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Donald Becks Jr. | ... |
Young Uriel Jones
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Gary Bosek | ... |
Young Bob Babbitt
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| Michael Ellison | ... |
Young Benny Benjamin
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Otis Lockhart | ... |
Young Robert White
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| Antoine McKay | ... |
Young Jack Ashford
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Mark Mutafian | ... |
Young Studio Musician
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Antonio Ramirez | ... |
Young Eddie Willis
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Kevin Smith | ... |
Young Joe Hunter
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| Lynch R. Travis | ... |
Young Earl van Dyke
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Thomas Michael Ventimiglio | ... |
Young Joe Messina
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Joe Wheeler | ... |
Young Richard 'Pistol' Allen
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Paul Burt | ... |
Funeral Director
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Lamont Witcher | ... |
Exec
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Aubree Gaston | ... |
Older Country Girl
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Deseray Teague | ... |
Younger Country Girl
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Tyler Blakely | ... |
Country Boy with Fishing Pole
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William Stockdale | ... |
James Jamerson - as a Child
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James Herron | ... |
Eddie Willis - as a Child
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Patti Willis | ... |
Bootsy Dancer
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Rashid Mausi | ... |
Interviewer
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Carla Benson | ... |
Background Vocalist
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Keith Benson | ... |
Background Vocalist
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John Ingram | ... |
Background Vocalist
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Misty Love | ... |
Background Vocalist
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Cherokee Pree | ... |
Background Vocalist
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Delbert Nelson | ... |
Background Vocalist
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Kizzy Jester | ... |
Background Vocalist
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Dawn Blandford | ... |
Background Vocalist
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| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Florence Ballard | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Marcus Belgrave | ... |
Self
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| Ruth Brown | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Katie Chonacas | ... |
Interview Subject
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| Fats Domino | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Dwight D. Eisenhower | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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The Funk Brothers | ... |
Themselves
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| Marvin Gaye | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Berry Gordy | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Lottie 'The Body' Graves | ... |
Self
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| George Harrison | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Billie Holiday | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Mick Jagger | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Louis Jordan | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Ron Kischuk | ... |
Self
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| John Lennon | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Paul McCartney | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Karen Minard | ... |
Diner Customer
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Larry Nozero | ... |
Self
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| Elvis Presley | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Smokey Robinson | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Diana Ross | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Ringo Starr | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Sly Stone | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Big Joe Turner | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Jackie Wilson | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Mary Wilson | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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| Stevie Wonder | ... |
Self (archiveFootage)
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Dave Daniels | ... |
Motown Fan (uncredited)
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| Jennifer Secord | ... |
Self - Dancer (uncredited)
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| Dean Teaster | ... |
Motown Fan (uncredited)
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Directed by
| Paul Justman | ||
Written by
| Walter Dallas | ... | (Narration) |
| Ntozake Shange | ... | (Narration) |
| Alan Slutsky | ... | (book "Standing in the Shadows of Motown") |
Produced by
| Richard Adler | ... | associate producer |
| Keith Benson | ... | associate producer |
| Jonathan Dana | ... | consulting producer |
| Paul Elliot | ... | executive producer |
| Janice Ginsberg | ... | associate producer |
| Paul Justman | ... | producer |
| Michael Q. Martin | ... | associate producer |
| Sandford Passman | ... | producer (as Sandy Passman) |
| Mary Petryshyn | ... | co-producer / line producer |
| David Scott | ... | executive producer |
| Alan Slutsky | ... | producer |
Music by
| Alan Slutsky | ... | (as Allan Slutsky) |
Cinematography by
| Douglas Milsome | ... | director of photography |
| Lon Stratton | ||
Editing by
| Anne Erikson | ||
Editorial Department
| James Frisa | ... | first assistant editor |
| Dale Gill | ... | post-production coordinator |
| Angela Jackson | ... | assistant editor |
| Joy Rencher | ... | negative cutter (as Joy L. Rencher) |
| Bob Sackter | ... | video colorist |
| Ginny Turner | ... | post-production services |
| Bob Wenokur | ... | studio post-production representative |
| Jim J. Williams | ... | color timer (as Jim Williams) |
| Keri Winthers | ... | on-line editor |
| Perry Young | ... | dailies telecine |
Casting By
| Christine Claussen | ||
| Julie Smith | ||
Production Design by
| Rolfe D. Bergsman | ... | (as Rolfe Bergsman) |
Art Direction by
| Amy Yaroch-Carroll | ||
Costume Design by
| Scarlett Jade | ||
Makeup Department
| Carol Branston | ... | key hair stylist / key makeup artist |
| Melissa Windham | ... | hair stylist / makeup artist |
Production Management
| Greg Brautigan | ... | assistant production supervisor |
| Joe Likins | ... | production supervisor |
| Michael Q. Martin | ... | post-production supervisor |
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
| Tony Adler | ... | first assistant director |
Art Department
| Paul Anderson | ... | stagehand |
| Kelly Ross Carroll | ... | production carpenter (as Kelly Carroll) |
| John Connelly | ... | stagehand |
| Scott Eagle | ... | stagehand |
| Genesis Garza | ... | props |
| Jackson Lockard | ... | stagehand |
| Tim Miller | ... | stagehand crew chief |
| Ladonna Plummer | ... | props |
| Harry Pollock Jr. | ... | stagehand |
| Dexter Sieger | ... | stagehand |
Sound Department
| Salvatore Aluia | ... | assistant audio |
| Darren Barnett | ... | film re-recording mixer / supervising sound editor |
| Scott Brewster | ... | dialogue editor |
| Bruce Danz | ... | concert sound |
| John W. DeMonaco | ... | boom operator (as John De Monaco) |
| Marshall Fawcett | ... | sound stage technician |
| Madeleine Garai | ... | sound coordinator: Power Post |
| Larry Goodwin | ... | supervising sound editor |
| C. Reed Hart | ... | assistant sound editor |
| Walter Hayman | ... | narration recordist (as Wally Hayman) |
| Jerry Jordan | ... | film re-recording mixer |
| John Kovac | ... | assistant sound editor |
| Edwin Lacanlale | ... | assistant sound editor |
| Marcel Lehrer | ... | post mix coordinator |
| Gene Leone | ... | narration recordist |
| Rick MacLane | ... | post mix engineer |
| Doug Madick | ... | foley artist |
| Peggy McAffee | ... | sound effects editor |
| Kooster McAlister | ... | sound recording engineer (as Kooster McAllister) |
| Dominik Meyer | ... | machine room operator |
| Tom O'Brien | ... | sound recordist |
| Andy Potvin | ... | consultant: Dolby |
| Paul Prestopino | ... | maintenance engineer |
| Chris Prinzivalli | ... | assistant recording engineer / recording engineer / sound recordist / sound |
| Jamie Scarpuzza | ... | location audio |
| Clive Taylor | ... | film re-recording mixer / supervising sound editor |
| Luke Taylor | ... | assistant sound editor |
| Holger M. Thiele | ... | sound mastering engineer: re-mix & master: credited on new digital master |
| Sean Wiedeman | ... | dialogue editor |
| Eric Williams | ... | sound effects editor |
| Scott Brewster | ... | voiceover recordist (uncredited) |
Visual Effects by
| Julie Fischer | ... | digital coordinator |
| Brian Fortenberry | ... | optical producer |
| Andrew Midgley | ... | optical producer |
| Christopher Dusendschon | ... | digital tape to film recording: THDX (uncredited) |
Camera and Electrical Department
| W. Oliver Brown | ... | spotlight operator |
| David Brush | ... | first assistant camera (as Dave Brush) |
| Kate Clayton-Schild | ... | camera production assistant: South Carolina |
| Bill Coe | ... | first assistant camera |
| Dave De Brincat | ... | second assistant camera (as David Debrincat) |
| Frank Dorset | ... | grip |
| Darry Dusbiber | ... | gaffer |
| Dana Ellis | ... | spotlight operator |
| Brad Fanfalone | ... | second assistant camera |
| John Ferry | ... | electrician |
| Bryan Greenberg | ... | camera operator |
| Gregg Horvath | ... | first assistant camera (as Greg Horvath) |
| Sean T. Kelly | ... | grip (as Sean Kelly) |
| Chuck Martin | ... | photography: Oxberry |
| Jared Maxwell | ... | camera production assistant: South Carolina (as Jarred Maxwell) |
| Matt Molitor | ... | second assistant camera |
| Larry Morin | ... | concert lighting |
| Brian Murphy | ... | grip |
| Ben Nickelson | ... | camera production assistant: South Carolina |
| Tim O'Dea | ... | dolly grip |
| Jeff Piontkowski | ... | spotlight operator |
| J. Owen Rogers | ... | video assistant (as Jason Owen Rogers) |
| Dennis Rottell | ... | best boy electric |
| Robert Rycroft | ... | first assistant camera (as Rob Rycroft) |
| Karen Sas | ... | still photographer (as Sas) |
| Pat Smith | ... | crane operator |
| Bill Strachan | ... | dolly grip (as William Strachan Jr.) |
| John Strachan | ... | grip |
| Mark Strachan | ... | key grip |
| Paul Strachan | ... | electrician |
| Michael Tobin | ... | grip (as Mike Tobin) |
| Ed van Hall | ... | spotlight operator (as Ed Van Hall) |
| John Wendling | ... | electrician |
| Warren Wilson | ... | spotlight operator |
Casting Department
| Marti Bowling | ... | extras casting assistant |
| Cheryl L. Cook | ... | extras casting assistant (as Sheryl Cook) |
| Trish Damon | ... | additional casting |
| Adam Jordan | ... | extras casting assistant |
| Sandy Tharp | ... | extras casting intern |
| Cathy Thomas | ... | extras casting |
Costume and Wardrobe Department
| Lizzie Cook | ... | costume assistant |
| Bernadine Vida | ... | assistant costume designer |
Location Management
| Adam Jordan | ... | location assistant |
| Cathy Thomas | ... | location manager |
Music Department
| Larry Abramovitz | ... | musician: violin |
| Richard 'Pistol' Allen | ... | musician: drums |
| Orest Artymiw | ... | musician: violin |
| Jack Ashford | ... | musician: vibes and tambourine |
| Bob Babbitt | ... | musician: bass |
| Davis Barnett | ... | musician: viola |
| Tweed Beard | ... | musician: bassist |
| Marcus Belgrave | ... | musician: trumpet |
| Carla Benson | ... | singer: background vocalist |
| Keith Benson | ... | singer: background vocalist |
| Steve Beskrone | ... | underscore musician: acoustic and electric bass |
| Dawn Blandford | ... | singer: additional background vocalist |
| Joe Buono | ... | musician: French horn |
| Madeline Cabano | ... | musician: violin |
| Phil 'Ijinga' Chen | ... | additional musician: hand clapper / technician: bass (as Phil Chen) / underscore musician: electric bass (as Phil Chen) |
| Virginia Cunningham | ... | musician: French horn |
| Maurice Davis | ... | musician: trumpet |
| Angela Falco | ... | additional musician: flute & piccolo |
| David Giles | ... | musician: viola |
| Edward Gooch | ... | musician: trombone |
| Ted Greenberg | ... | additional musician: hand clapper / drum technician / music editor: Pro Tools / music re-recording mixer / post music producer / soundtrack producer / underscore musician: drums / underscore recordist |
| Johnny Griffith | ... | musician: keyboards |
| Dayna Hartwick | ... | musician: flute and piccolo |
| Michael Henderson | ... | musician: bassist |
| Richard Hotchkiss | ... | musician: cello |
| Joe Hunter | ... | musician: keyboards |
| The I.D.M.R. Detroit Choir | ... | singers: additional background vocalists (as The IDMR Detroit Choir) |
| John Ingram | ... | singer: background vocalist |
| Clarence Isabell | ... | musician: bassist |
| Joe James | ... | musician: bassist |
| Ron Jennings | ... | underscore musician: guitar |
| Kizzy Jester | ... | singer: additional background vocalist |
| Uriel Jones | ... | musician: drums |
| Steve Jordan | ... | music supervisor: "Cool Jerk" and "Do You Love Me" |
| Seth Justman | ... | additional musician: hand clapper / arranger: breakdown section of "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted" |
| Ron Kerber | ... | underscore musician: alto sax |
| Ron Kischuk | ... | musician: trombone |
| Olga Konopelsky | ... | musician: violin |
| Misty Love | ... | singer: background vocalist |
| Kasuku Mafia | ... | musician: saxophone |
| Wade Marcus | ... | arrangements: original Motown |
| Luigi Mazzocchi | ... | musician: violin |
| Peggy McAffee | ... | additional music mixer |
| Joe Messina | ... | musician: guitar |
| Nathan Milisavljevich | ... | assistant engineer |
| Greg Morgenstein | ... | music recording engineer |
| Carl Mottola | ... | underscore musician: drums |
| Delbert Nelson | ... | singer: background vocalist |
| Joe Nero | ... | underscore musician: congas |
| Tony Newton | ... | musician: bassist |
| Pino Palladino | ... | musician: opening bass solo |
| Dee Pappas | ... | additional musician: piano and synthesizer |
| Sandford Passman | ... | additional musician: hand clapper (as Sandy Passman) |
| Michael Pedecin | ... | underscore musician: tenor sax |
| Tom Pellerito | ... | guitar technician |
| Anthony Pirollo | ... | musician: cello |
| Cherokee Pree | ... | singer: background vocalist |
| Harvey Price | ... | underscore musician: vibes |
| Paul Riser | ... | arrangements: original Motown / consultant: string and horn arranging |
| Rudy Robinson | ... | musician: keyboards |
| Ernest Rodgers | ... | musician: saxophone |
| Ritchie Rome | ... | consultant: string and horn arranging |
| Florence Rosensweig | ... | musician: violin |
| Tom Scott | ... | horns arranger: "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" / musician: flute and piccolo / musician: saxophone |
| Willie Shorter | ... | arrangements: original Motown |
| Alan Slutsky | ... | music adaptor: arrangements (as Allan 'Dr. Licks' Slutsky) / music transcriptor: arrangements (as Allan 'Dr. Licks' Slutsky) / musical director / musician: guitar (as Allan 'Dr. Licks' Slutsky) / post music producer (as Allan Slutsky) / soundtrack producer (as Allan Slutsky) / underscore musician: guitar (as Allan Slutsky) |
| Evan Solot | ... | underscore musician: trumpet |
| Igor Szwec | ... | musician: violin |
| Michael Tarsia | ... | recordist: strings |
| Clive Taylor | ... | music re-recording mixer |
| David Van DePitte | ... | arrangements: original Motown |
| Eddie Watkins | ... | musician: bassist |
| Craig Weiland | ... | additional musician: hand clapper |
| Joe Williams | ... | musician: bassist |
| Eddie Willis | ... | musician: guitar |
| Treaty Womack | ... | musician: congas |
| Bill Zaccagni | ... | underscore musician: baritone sax |
| Chris Zurzolo | ... | consultant: Pro Tools / underscore recordist |
Script and Continuity Department
| Annie Ahearn | ... | script supervisor |
| Barb Lehto | ... | script supervisor |
Transportation Department
| Cheo Ramsey | ... | transportation assistant |
| Tracey Sims | ... | transportation assistant |
| Ryan Zernec | ... | transportation assistant |
Additional Crew
| Danya Abt | ... | production assistant |
| Keith Benson | ... | roadie |
| April Campbell | ... | medic (as Dr. April Campbell) |
| Lizzie Cook | ... | production assistant |
| Cameron Cox | ... | title coordinator |
| Leonore Crystal | ... | post-production accountant |
| Christa Culler | ... | office production assistant |
| Walter Dallas | ... | narration consultant |
| Dave Daniels | ... | production assistant |
| Denise Ferullo | ... | support staff |
| Tim Grady | ... | production assistant |
| Bruce Grakal | ... | legal services (as Bruce V. Grakal) |
| Thomas R. Greenberg | ... | legal services |
| Marlus Harding | ... | production accountant |
| Tim Immordino | ... | production assistant |
| Stacy King | ... | production assistant |
| Seth Krugliak | ... | support staff |
| Heather Laface | ... | assistant: stock footage |
| David 'Louie' Lukasik | ... | production assistant (as Dave 'Louie' Lukasik) |
| Dave Marsh | ... | historical consultant: Detroit |
| Titania Martinez | ... | assistant: Mr. Justman |
| Felix McKnight | ... | source: stills |
| Shaun McNally | ... | production assistant |
| Guy Morrison | ... | production assistant |
| Michelle O'Brien | ... | office intern |
| Alex Panagakis | ... | publicist |
| Sandford Passman | ... | legal services (as Sandy Passman) |
| Cathie Quinn | ... | assistant: Mr. Passman |
| Cheo Ramsey | ... | office production assistant |
| Rob Rawlins | ... | production assistant |
| Ed Roberson | ... | source: stills |
| Jonathan Rogers | ... | production assistant (as Jonathan 'JT' Rogers) |
| Karen Rudolph | ... | publicist: Germany |
| Tawny Rusch | ... | support staff |
| Marty Shea | ... | production coordinator |
| Michael Sherman | ... | legal services |
| Alexia Sims | ... | production coordinator (as Alexia 'Ali' Sims) |
| Tracey Sims | ... | office production assistant |
| Sally Steele | ... | publicist |
| Nicole Sylvester | ... | pre-production coordinator |
| William Todd | ... | accounting production assistant |
| Joseph Valente | ... | narration consultant |
| Craig Weiland | ... | roadie |
| Harry Weinger | ... | historical consultant: Motown |
| Patrick Welsch | ... | production assistant |
| Jennifer Worrell | ... | title coordinator |
| Larry Zabel | ... | production coordinator |
| Thomas Zambeck | ... | office intern (as Tom Zambeck) |
| Ryan Zernec | ... | office production assistant |
| Dawn Zoltek | ... | assistant: Mr. Slutsky / stock footage coordinator |
Thanks
| Johnny Allen | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Keith Allen | ... | special thanks: Title House Digital |
| Mark Allen | ... | special thanks: Title House Digital |
| Richard 'Pistol' Allen | ... | in memory of: 1932-2002, Funk Brother, now here in spirit |
| Gil Askey | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Lanny Austin | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Clarence Baker | ... | special thanks |
| Paul Barker | ... | special thanks: The Motown Historical Museum |
| Darren Barnett | ... | special thanks: 5 Guys Named Moe, Inc. |
| H.B. Barnum | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Tony Basile | ... | special thanks |
| Tweed Beard | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Bassist |
| Marcus Belgrave | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Jill Berliner | ... | special thanks |
| George Bohanon | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone |
| Harry Bolling | ... | special thanks: Bo Macs |
| Joanne Boris | ... | special thanks |
| Thomas 'Beans' Bowles | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone/Flute/Piccolo |
| Jack Brokensha | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Percussion & Vibes |
| Steve Brown | ... | in memory of: for his love and never ending support |
| Don Buchsbaum | ... | in memory of |
| Teddy Buckner | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Katrina Cardin | ... | special thanks |
| Angelo Carlisi | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Victor Carstarphen | ... | special thanks (as Vic Carstarphen) |
| Lottie Claiborne | ... | acknowledgment: still photos courtesy of |
| Dennis Coffey | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Guitars / acknowledgment: still photos courtesy of |
| John Colbert | ... | special thanks: Baker's Keyboard Lounge |
| Kelly Coleman | ... | special thanks |
| Russell Conway | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Henry Cosby | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone/Arranger (as Hank Cosby) |
| Jeffrey L. Costell | ... | special thanks (as Jeffrey Costell) |
| Bob Cousar | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone |
| Bernadette Cummings | ... | special thanks |
| Glenna Dailey | ... | special thanks |
| Ronnie Dashev | ... | special thanks (as Ronni Dashev) |
| Maurice Davis | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Carpenter Dewey | ... | special thanks |
| Ben Edmonds | ... | special thanks |
| Esther Gordy Edwards | ... | special thanks: The Motown Historical Museum (as Esther Edwards) |
| Lefty Edwards | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| William Edwards | ... | special thanks: The Down River Lounge |
| Karen Ellis | ... | special thanks |
| Eli Fontaine | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Seth Friedman | ... | special thanks |
| The Funk Brothers | ... | acknowledgment: still photos courtesy of (as The Funk Brothers and Their Families) |
| James Gittens | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Keyboards/Percussion & Vibes |
| Edward Gooch | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone |
| Fred Goodman | ... | special thanks |
| Jeff Goodman | ... | special thanks: Producers Library Service |
| Berry Gordy | ... | acknowledgment: The Producers and the Funk Brothers wish to extend a special thank you for their courtesy and their cooperation in the making of this film |
| Cornelius Grant | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Guitars |
| Dave Hamilton | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Guitars/Percussion & Vibes |
| Hennie Hamilton | ... | special thanks |
| Slide Hampton | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Alex Hartnett | ... | special thanks |
| Dayna Hartwick | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Flute/Piccolo |
| Michael Henderson | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Bassist |
| Stephen McKinley Henderson | ... | in memory of (as Stephen 'Schmang' McKinley) |
| Billy Horner | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Charlie Howard | ... | special thanks: The Down River Lounge |
| Clarence Isabell | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Bassist |
| Joe James | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Bassist |
| Chris Jisi | ... | special thanks: Bass Player Magazine |
| Bill Johnson | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone |
| Richard Johnston | ... | special thanks: Bass Player Magazine |
| Eddie Jones | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Floyd Jones | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Kristin Jordan | ... | special thanks |
| Paul Justman | ... | acknowledgment: stock footage courtesy of |
| Doug Kauffman | ... | special thanks: Nobody In Particular Presents |
| John Kellogg | ... | special thanks |
| Keith A. Klevan | ... | special thanks (as Keith Klevan) |
| Alan Kress | ... | special thanks |
| Seth Krugliak | ... | special thanks: 5 Guys Named Moe, Inc. |
| Patrick Lanier | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone |
| Ronda Lee | ... | special thanks: Nobody In Particular Presents |
| Jerry Leiber | ... | special thanks |
| Bill Leigh | ... | special thanks: Bass Player Magazine |
| Theresa Leslie | ... | special thanks: The Motown Historical Museum |
| Robert Leveen | ... | special thanks (as Rob Leveen) |
| Ian Levine | ... | special thanks |
| Dubois Lindsay | ... | special thanks |
| Nick Lindsay | ... | special thanks (as Nick) |
| Ted Lobinger | ... | special thanks |
| Jerry Long | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Clifford Mack | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Drums |
| Kasuku Mafia | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Helen Mallory | ... | special thanks |
| Jeff Mar | ... | special thanks |
| Wade Marcus | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Dave Marsh | ... | special thanks |
| Mia Mata | ... | special thanks (as Mia Matta) |
| Janice Mathis | ... | special thanks: the Rainbow Push Coalition |
| Tammy McCrary | ... | special thanks |
| Felix McKnight | ... | acknowledgment: still photos courtesy of |
| Eugene 'Beebee' Moore | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Schuyler Moore | ... | special thanks (as Schuyler M. Moore) |
| William 'Wild Bill' Moore | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Jane Murray | ... | special thanks: Title House Digital |
| Tony Newton | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Bassist |
| Larry Nozero | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Ray Parker | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Guitars |
| Bernie Peacock | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Jean-Pierre Plunier | ... | special thanks (as J.P. Plunier) |
| Bobbye Hall Porter | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Percussion & Vibes (as Bobbye Porter) |
| Lugh Powers | ... | special thanks |
| Carl Raetz | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone |
| Melvin Ragin | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Guitars (as 'Wah Wah' Watson) |
| Kenneth 'Spider Webb' Rice | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Drums (as Spider Webb) |
| Paul Riser | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone/Arranger |
| Ed Roberson | ... | acknowledgment: still photos courtesy of |
| Jim Roberts | ... | special thanks: Bass Player Magazine |
| Rudy Robinson | ... | in memory of |
| Ernest Rodgers | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Beau Rogers | ... | special thanks |
| Tom Rolen | ... | special thanks |
| Soupy Sales | ... | acknowledgment: stock footage courtesy of |
| Ken Sands | ... | special thanks |
| Anita Saunders | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Harpist |
| Russell Schaaf | ... | special thanks: Trident Technical College, Charleston |
| Paula Schmidt | ... | special thanks |
| John Schoenith | ... | special thanks: The Roostertail (as John) |
| Michael Schoenith | ... | special thanks: The Roostertail |
| Richard Scott | ... | special thanks: Producers Library Service |
| Ted Sheely | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Keyboards |
| Willie Shorter | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Don Slaughter | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Andrew Smith | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Drums |
| David Sonnenberg | ... | special thanks |
| Gordon Staples | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Strings (as Gordon Staples & The Detroit Symphony Strings) |
| Mike Stoller | ... | special thanks |
| Julie Sussing | ... | special thanks |
| Marvin Tarplin | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Guitars (as Marv Tarplin) |
| Joe Tarsia | ... | special thanks |
| Andrew 'Mike' Terry | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Greg Trattner | ... | special thanks |
| Johnny Trudell | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Hiram Tucker | ... | special thanks: The Down River Lounge |
| Dan Turner | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| David Van DePitte | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Larry Veeder | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Guitars |
| Frederick Waites | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Drums |
| Ronnie Wakefield | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Saxophone |
| Eddie Watkins | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Bassist |
| Clarence Wayne | ... | special thanks: Wonderland Music |
| Harry Weinger | ... | special thanks |
| Susan Whitall | ... | special thanks |
| Don White | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone |
| Ernie Wilkins | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Arranger |
| Jimmy Wilkins | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trombone |
| Herbie Williams | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Joe Williams | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Bassist |
| Patti Willis | ... | special thanks |
| John 'Little John' Wilson | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Trumpet |
| Ed Wolfrum | ... | special thanks |
| Richard 'Popcorn' Wylie | ... | acknowledgment: The Funk Brothers and Producers would like to acknowledge all the other musicians who contributed to the Hitsville legacy, Keyboards |
Production Companies
Distributors
- Artisan Entertainment (2002) (United States) (theatrical)
- Cine Qua Non Films (2002) (Japan) (theatrical)
- Cinema Novo (2002) (Portugal) (theatrical)
- Lightning Entertainment (2002) (World-wide) (theatrical) (international)
- Mars Distribution (2002) (France) (theatrical)
- Momentum Pictures (2002) (United Kingdom) (theatrical)
- Racing Pictures (2002) (Italy) (theatrical)
- Artisan Entertainment (2002) (United States) (DVD)
- Paradiso Entertainment (2003) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
- Scanbox Norge (2003) (Norway) (theatrical)
- Madman Entertainment (2003) (Australia) (DVD)
- Scanbox Entertainment (2003) (Sweden) (DVD)
- Dawoori Entertainment (2004) (Korea) (VHS)
- Panorama Distributions (Hong Kong) (theatrical)
- Polyfilm Verleih (Austria) (theatrical)
- Shani Films (Israel) (theatrical)
- Video Vision Entertainment (South Africa) (theatrical)
- Arsenal (Germany) (DVD)
- Ascot Elite Entertainment Group (Switzerland) (DVD)
- Audio Visual Enterprises (Greece) (DVD)
- Flashstar Home Vídeo (Brazil) (VHS)
- Hopscotch Productions (Australia) (DVD)
- Quality Films (Mexico) (VHS)
- Reivaj (Spain) (VHS)
- Scanbox Entertainment (Denmark) (DVD)
- Scanbox Entertainment (Finland) (DVD)
- Scanbox Norge (Norway) (DVD)
- Videofilm (Netherlands) (DVD)
Special Effects
- Title House Digital (digital effects)
Other Companies
- 5 Guys Named Moe (additional film re-recording)
- 5 Guys Named Moe (additional post sound services)
- ABC News (stock footage courtesy of)
- AON/Albert G. Ruben Insurance Services (insurance provided by)
- Affiliated Model & Talent (casting by)
- Axium Payroll Services (payroll)
- BPI Communications (courtesy: The Billboard Charts used)
- Big Zone (underscore recorded at)
- Brasher Sound (film re-recorded at)
- Detroit News / Free Press (still photos courtesy of)
- Detroit News (still photos courtesy of)
- Donna Daniels Public Relations (publicity)
- EMI Music Publishing (music administered by: Jobete Music Co., Inc. songs)
- Fender Musical Instruments (special thanks to: for the Vibro King Amplifiers)
- Film Craft Lab (special thanks to)
- Film Finances (completion guarantor)
- FotoKem (dailies telecine)
- Fujifilm (filmed on)
- Gibson Guitars (special thanks to: for the Firebird III)
- Hip-O Records (soundtrack)
- Historic Films (stock footage courtesy of)
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) (this picture made under the jurisdiction of)
- J.R. Post (negative cutting)
- Juice On The Go (catering)
- L.A. Digital Post (post production services)
- Lindy Fralin Pickups (special thanks to)
- Matt's Catering (catering)
- Michael Ochs Archive (still photos courtesy of)
- Michigan Film Office (special thanks to)
- Motown Records (soundtrack)
- Motown Records (still photos courtesy of)
- National Archives (stock footage courtesy of)
- Nick Vasu (Oxberry photography)
- Point.360 (on-line editing)
- Power Post Audio (post sound services)
- Producer's Library Service (stock footage courtesy of)
- Record Plant Remote (remote concert recording)
- Reel Magic Films (stock footage courtesy of)
- Reelin in the Years Productions (stock footage courtesy of)
- Research Video (stock footage courtesy of)
- Sherman Grinberg Film Libraries (stock footage courtesy of)
- Sigma Sound Services (strings recorded at)
- Studio 56 (music re-recorded at)
- The Bean Counters (post-production accountant)
- The Rainbow / Push Coalition (stock footage courtesy of)
- The Royal Oak Music Theater (special thanks to)
- The iGroup (additional casting)
- Thunder Audio (concert light/sound equipment)
- Title House Digital (titles and opticals)
- Try Again (stock footage courtesy of)
- UCLA Film and Television Archive (stock footage courtesy of)
- UMG Soundtracks (soundtrack)
- Universal Media (stock footage courtesy of)
- WXYZ Detroit (stock footage courtesy of)
- Wallabee Media (narration recording)
- West Grand Media (acknowledgment: The Producers and the Funk Brothers wish to extend a special thank you for their courtesy and their cooperation in the making of this film)
- Wolfe Travel (travel services)
Storyline
| Plot Summary |
In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. gathered the best musicians from Detroit's thriving jazz and blues scene to begin cutting songs for his new record company. Over a fourteen year period they were the heartbeat on every hit from Motown's Detroit era. By the end of their phenomenal run, this unheralded group of musicians had played on more number ones hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis and the Beatles combined - which makes them the greatest hit machine in the history of popular music. They called themselves the Funk Brothers. Forty-one years after they played their first note on a Motown record and three decades since they were all together, the Funk Brothers reunited back in Detroit to play their music and tell their unforgettable story, with the help of archival footage, still photos, narration, interviews, re-creation scenes, 20 Motown master tracks, and twelve new live performances of Motown classics with the Brothers backing up contemporary performers. Written by Anonymous |
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| Taglines | They played on more #1 records than the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley combined... This is their story. See more » |
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| Parents Guide | Add content advisory for parents » |
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Additional Details
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Box Office
| Opening Weekend United States | $114,442, 17 Nov 2002 |
Did You Know?
| Trivia | The Detroit Symphony Orchestra got the last credit in the film. The orchestra provided strings and other instrumentation for Motown recording sessions. According to The Funk Brothers member Dennis Coffey in his book, "Guitars, Bars and Motown Superstars", this included sessions recorded with a Stradivarius violin played by the orchestra's violin concertmaster, Gordon Staples. See more » |
| Movie Connections | Referenced in Film Geek (2005). See more » |
| Soundtracks | Reach Out, I'll Be There See more » |
| Crazy Credits | After all of the credits roll, we see a few of the Funk Brothers leaving the Snake Pit and turning off the lights. See more » |
| Quotes |
Uriel Jones:
People would always say everything but the musicians. They would say it was the artists, the producers, the way the building was constructed, the wood in the floor, or maybe even food. But I'd like to see them take some barbecue ribs or hamburgers, anything, and throw down in that studio, shut the door and count off '1,2,3,4' and get a hit out of there. The formula was the musicians! See more » |