Saturday, July 32 (that's Aug. 1 on the regular calendar), 7:30PM at Wingfield Park
FREE
The Funk Brothers, the sounds behind Motown’s greatest performers, close out the month-long Artown party at Wingfield Park on what festival organizers are dubbing July 32 (Aug. 1). Brilliant and yet virtually anonymous, The Funk Brothers rhythms comprise more No. 1 recordings than anyone in the world including developing the music for artists such as Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and The Temptations and songs including “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “Love Train” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Through their creation of the “Motown Sound,” The Funk Brothers leave a cultural legacy that cannot be overstated. The major motion picture, “Standing In the Shadows of Motown” let everyone know of The Funk Brother’s contributions to every Motown hit.
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The Funk Brothers History:
To Motown's stars, the four wooden steps leading down to Hitsville's basement were a bridge to a land of dreams. But to the studio musicians who shaped the Motown sound, the stairs were a gateway to a workplace, a cramped, smoke stained, dimly lit room they affectionately dubbed "The Snakepit."
For almost fourteen years on a daily and nightly basis, the musicians transformed that basement into a hit factory. They rolled masterpieces off the production line in an hour or less, trading friendly insults as they worked. Known as "Funk Brothers," they were utterly unknown.
Berry Gordy demanded assembly-line efficency. Sessions started at 10 a.m. and were over in the afternoon. Most of the time they were three hour sessions. Since they could call for a session seven days a week the Funk Brothers were always on call. They were paid $10 a song until everything was right.
When they weren't working at Studio A they could often times be found jamming at Millie's Chit Chat Lounge on 12th Street.
Sponsored by Terrible's Sands Regency and Friends of Artown