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Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)
Standing in the Shadows of Motown
I have reviewed this movie and I am appalled @ Berry Gordy and the Music Industry for keeping this a secret all these years. It is apparent these musicians, "who were worth their weight in Gold" has been overlooked for the artists they were all these years. I was born in 1958, and one of my first songs when coming to the "city" was "Jimmy Mack" and "ShotGun". During my childhood years while I was listening to the "Motown Sound" and thinking that "Jimmy Walker and the AllStars" - the Allstars being the ones to produce such a lovely set of musical instrumental sounds, but now to my surprise I learn it is a group of experienced talented men kept in the dark by Berry Gordy who led the Motown Industry into fame by these "Musician's" unprecedented experience and abilities. I feel a lot of sympathy for those musicians who were obviously overlooked by society - because noone thought enough to "hip" us to what was really going on @ Motown (Berry Gordy). I feel that the Musicians should have gotten the credit and monetary awards which was due, which I now feel was obviously focused on by the industry to be the singer versus the real talent (musicians) which was the underlying key element in the success of the singers that came to Motown. It became obvious to me during the movie that these Musicians did not enjoy the monetary rewards nor the fame that they deserved in life for the services they provided to Motown. There is no doubt that the singers - for instance my idols - Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson were great no matter what band they had behind them. But it was the chemistry of the band and singers at Motown that made the same hit after hit situation that repeatedly occurred over the course of time. They complimented one another, and in a situation in which this thrives there can be nothing but a win - win situation. However, it appears that the real winners in this situation was Berry Gordy and the Artists - moreover Berry, who seemed to screw you all ! Nevertheless, my hats off to the Musicians - you are the foundation and the ultimate "Sound of Motown"! Thank you for supplying my child and adulthood with so much beautiful music!!! I love you guys!
Thanks!
J.E.B.