Standing In The Shadow Of Motown

Synopsis: Based on the book of the same name by Allan Slutsky, Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a historical tribute to the unsung heroes responsible for some of the greatest hits of pop music. Part documentary and part concert performance, this film is an introduction to the intriguing personas of the Hitsville studio band originally assembled by Berry Gordy in 1959. Over 40 years later, the remaining members reunited in their home base of Detroit, MI, to tell their stories, remember their departed bandmates, and put on a concert. The creation of the Motown sound is told through in-depth interviews, archival footage, and reenactments. Personal stories are intercut with live tracks from the concert performance featuring the Funk Brothers live on-stage along with popular vocalists interpreting some of their biggest hits. Some of the guest singers stick around for conversation with the musicians and offer a contemporary perspective, including Joan Osborne, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, and Ben Harper. The film follows the group's contributions through the '60s up until Gordy moved the label to Los Angeles in 1972. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

Starring:  Andre Braugher, Richard "Pistol" Allen, Jack "Black Jack" Ashford 

Director:  Paul Justman

Writer:  
Walter Dallas, Ntozake Shange (narration)
Alan Slutsky (book: Standing in the Shadows of Motown)

Released:  2002 (theater)

Rating:   for language and thematic elements.

Country:  USA

Language:  English

AKA: Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Story of the Funk Brothers

Easter Egg:

Artisan Home Entertainment’s release of the biopic 'Standing In The Shadows Of Motown' contains a nice little Easter Egg.

Insert disc 2 of the set in your player and on the Main Menu select the menu entry 'More Features.' On the following screen, press the 'Right' arrow key on your remote control and you will see that a microphone beside the guitar will be highlighted. Press 'Enter' now and you will get to see a short rap featurette dedicated to the Funk Brothers.