By SteveS (68.41.250.190) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:01 pm:

I spoke with Joe Messina this morning and he specifically asked me to post a message here before the news broke, and let the forum know that effective yesterday, he has retired from the Funk Brothers.

Joe said that the difficulties of traveling have become increasingly hard for him to deal with. As many of you know, Joe's wife, Josie, has MS, and has been traveling with Joe on the Funks tours. That has been rough on both of them. As Joe put it, "I ache all over and just need to rest".

He wanted to let the forum know first because he appreciated the strong support they gave to the Funks in the early stages of SITSOM, when the Funks were still a well-kept secret. He also mentioned how nice it was to meet so many folks from the forum on the Funk's tours.

The main thing he wanted to get across is what an incredible experience these last 2 years have been, and how proud he is to be a Funk Brother. He wanted to make sure that everyone understood that he's fine, and that whether he's onstage or not, he'll always be a Funk Brother, and he's hoping for continued success for his brothers and friends, the Funks.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:14 pm:

I just learned of this from Stu Miller. when I was young and on the road it could be a grind at times. I can only imagine how the Funks feel. Rest Joe. Thanks for the great ride pal. Our very best to Josie.

Ralph

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:22 pm:

(((JOE MESSINA))) Thank you for sharing with us your great talent, your love, and your bright smile. You will always be a Funk Brother. No one can replace you. Have a great retirement. We love you.

By Russ Terrana (216.200.50.126) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:23 pm:

Joe ... you always have been and will always be my hero. I've learned so much from you when I was in the Sunliners, and had so many great times in the studios at Motown. Thank You!

By David Meikle (62.252.128.10) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:24 pm:

This is sad news but family must come first.

Best wishes to Joe.

David

By douglasm (68.118.223.130) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:28 pm:

I felt honored to see the Funk Brothers when they were in Seattle. That smile he has while playing will stay with me always. Best wishes to the Messinas, and thank you.

doug

By ~medusa~ (155.139.68.10) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:31 pm:

Very understandable Joe Messina, that's what I call "LOVE", your wife is Lucky to have you Joe... U Will B Missed Joe.
Maybe Bobby Eli can fill in (smile)

By Soul Sister (65.43.144.46) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:50 pm:

Mr. Messina;
We never met but I wanted to wish you & your wife good health & good wishes for the future.
I know personally how the road can take alot out of a person. Enjoy you retirement. Best of Luck.
With Sincere Respect,
Soul Sister

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 02:04 pm:

That makes this last tour very important indeed. I felt deep down that those threads with the reviews of the tour in Europe, although will be in the archives, they needed to be readily available on a daily basis. With DMeikles approval, they have been included on the web site.

The 2003 European Tour

http://soulconcert.tripod.com/jamesjamerson/id3.html

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 02:05 pm:

Does anyone know whether those radio interviews with Joe Messina, and the other Funks, in England will continue to be available in the future?

By Moe (24.140.18.45) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 03:22 pm:

I have been away for awhile & this forum has been very busy!!
All I know is that there NEVER was a picture I had seen of Joe when he wasn't smiling!! What pain he must be going through!!
I will pray for you Joe & your family........
Respectfully,
Moe

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 03:38 pm:

Moe,
Joe is truly a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy. I have never been around him when he wasn't flashing that infectious smile. Hey Joe! I've got those chords for Misty for you.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 04:08 pm:

I had the honor of meeting and speaking with Joe Messina at two Funk Brothers concerts here in NYC. I'll never forget Joe sharing his ice cream soda with me backstage at B.B. King's when they were here in January. He is indeed an gentle spirit.

Best of luck and God's speed to you and your family, Joe.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.110.49) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 04:53 pm:

Joe,thanks for being you. The road wore me down and I was young, so I can imagine how it must be foe you.

My prayers to you and your wife Josie for good health.
Lynn Bruce

By Dennis Coffey (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 05:01 pm:

Hi Joe. Good luck in your retirement! I always enjoyed working with you. We had a lot of good times at Motown.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 05:51 pm:

Joe, my paisan, my goomba and I'l tell ya something, that's not so bad coming from a Jew.

You have always been number 1 on my personal chart, my friend.
Your licks have kept me stringin'along for as long as I can remember.

I remember the day that I first tried to cop the lick from Your precious Love.

I m so honored to have met you!

By Uptight (69.161.238.200) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 09:52 pm:

Joe Messina, I wish you and your wife the best. It was a pleasure meeting you briefly in L.A. after the Funks' show. Josie is lucky to have such a wonderful man as you.

By Greg C. (165.247.24.214) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:08 pm:

Joe

I recall the days back in Detroit when I was a kid hanging out in front and the back of Hitsville and you and the rest of the Funk Brothers would arrive at the studio on the Boulevard. My friends and I knew who you were and remember your kind words and just speaking with us.

I loved all of the Motown acts but I always wanted to know who the musicians were who created the music because I never saw your names on the albums and you guys were jammin! I'm glad you got your props and the world got to know you guys!

By the way, your concert in NYC was serious! I'll never forget that night. Thanks Joe!

By Common (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:21 pm:

This is sad news. Someone bought SITSOM for me as a gift & I enjoyed it immensely. I wish Mr. Messina & his wife the best.

Peace!

By Sue (152.163.253.70) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:32 pm:

Joe isn't retiring from music, but the road -- so y'all will have to come to Detroit to hear Joe in a smaller setting ...

The guitar will not be allowed back under the pool table LOL ...

By ~medusa~ (68.79.165.90) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:35 pm:

Hi Sue,
Welcome Back~

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:39 pm:

Yeah Sue,

Welcome back!!

And by the way, the natural successor to Joe's chair would have to be Dennis Coffey.

By John (24.9.226.3) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:44 pm:

Joe, sorry I never had the chance to meet you, but I've enjoyed your music with the Funk Brothers for many, many years. The best of luck to you and your wife.

By Uptight! (69.161.238.200) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:46 am:

Good point, Sue! I hope can still look forward to hearing more from Joe.

Right on, E., regarding Dennis Coffey.

By TD (67.20.49.159) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:51 am:

Joe

Hope to see you when I get back to Warren.

TD

By jack (65.82.174.99) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 03:29 am:

Joe; you know that I know how the last year has been,I only wish that , well what can I say at this time,You and I know what up.I am considering to do the same thing as you .The next few months will determin what I will do.I have some other things to look at that will be less headache involved. But god bless you and Josie, as you have said to me it will be harder without you.There is something management could have done to get you to stay and you know that as well as me . But no dirty laundry here, I love you Joe and all of the 40 years we have to look back on. If you ever need me call me . Jack

By SOULBOY (213.105.224.5) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 05:33 am:

Joe
I'd just like to say that I understand your decision
When I joined the forum two years ago I understood very little about who played what. Today I have a much better understanding of every individuals contribution to the motown sound, and having seen you play in concert I can definetly say that I hold yourself in the highest regard. Just how do you get that guitar sound??
Whenever I now listen to a motown record I will always think you and the others giving it those magic grooves. And having experienced the London concert I can honestly say that is an experience I will savour for the rest of my life, and whatever happens with yourself and the others funks, your story IS now on record for future generations!Once again thank you for playing a great part in All our lives!

Good luck and Best wishes to Joe and Josie Messina for the future.
SB

By John Lester (81.132.171.224) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 05:41 am:

Joe Messina

I will be disappointed that I will not see your beaming smile with the Funks in the future but I understand totally your reasons for stopping.

I wish you and your family the very best

Good luck

By BankHouseDave (195.93.34.12) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 07:16 am:

We're so grateful for the privilege of seeing you live in London, Joe. You've given us so much pleasure and great music over the years. Your work and your legend will live forever.

Love and peace to you and Josie.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.10) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:09 am:

This message and photograph comes from Dave Leedham

Hi David
here is a picture of Joe and two members of the backing band at the
Manchester gig,what a real gentleman he was and I am so glad I got the
chance to meet him,Take Care Dave Leedham.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 06:52 pm:

Hello Jack Ashford - I have your wonderful book. When will I see you again, so you can autograph the book for me?

By Tony.C. (195.93.34.12) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 07:31 pm:

SAD NEWS JOE BUT U KNOW BEST .AS WAS ONCE SAID COME AND GET THESE MEMORIES AT LEAST S.I.T.S.O.M.READRESSED SOME OF THE BALANCE(i.m o.)i agree Dennis Coffey would fit the bill.
L.O.L.2 YOU BOTH SEE U ONE DAY IN A LITTLE COSY MUSIC LOUNGE IN dETROIT.

By Caleb (216.8.14.116) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 08:25 pm:

Sad day is right.Quality guitar player.What the hell's goin' on in that camp over there.Weed it out.Don't want to read that Jack A.is leaving too one day.An Angry Man

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 12:16 am:

Messina - Can you at least be with the Funks when they tape Motown 45, and the American Idol show?

By jack (68.221.138.109) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 12:27 am:

Well I first want to thank everyone that have supported the funks from day one.But It has been suggested by a close friend of the forum to possible let all of the shit the funks have been through this past few years die. But as you can see Joe had to get out before HE died. Thats why I am thinking about getting out.I know that it is hard to believe that with all of the good things that has happend to us could be this way. BUT the Titanic was a great ship and folks had great expectations for that ship also.Remember I .am thankful that god made all of this happend for us, and I am sure he won't let two people tear it down.God bless all of you and thanks a lot for the love. Jack Ashford funk brothers

By Larry (67.101.86.31) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 04:48 am:

Joe's the man. What Class.

The permanent images in my mind of He and Eddie pourin' it out LIVE on tape will forever live inside me.

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.101) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:27 am:

A man taking care of his family is worthy of ten times the respect anyone could earn with a guitar. Kudos to Joe for making the right choice for he and Josie, and I look forward to hearing more from him when I can.

Regards,
Ken

By brown9165 (68.126.190.235) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:51 am:

Hello, Sue welcome back you were greatly missed!

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 11:20 am:

Jack

Thanks for your message to SoulfulDetroit.

David

By jack (68.210.71.32) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 01:12 pm:

Hello Sis thanks for getting the book, you are one of the high lights of all of this,I'll let you know were I'll be when I find out , Thanks again. David for the respect you all have paid to the funks we truly thank you .Jack

By Tony Russi (216.78.186.157) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 02:37 pm:

It is sad indeed that Mr Messina is leaving...hopefully he will be on the TV special.Best wishes to Joe Messina.Mr. Ashford I really enjoyed reading your book.

By keith (64.26.97.254) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 02:59 pm:

Joe god bless you and good luck and good health.

keith harmon

By LG Nilsson (213.89.28.148) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:19 pm:

Jack,

It was so nice meeting you, Joe Messina and the other Funk Brothers in Stockholm. Many thanks for signing your book. If you have not seen it before, check out the old thread --> The Funks in Stockholm, Sweden >--. I uploaded lots of pictures there, including you and Joe�

I am so happy now that I saw the Funks with Joe Messina. It was a wonderful evening.

Lars

By Eddie Welk, Champagne Music Drinker (205.188.209.109) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 06:20 pm:

Maybe NOW Joe can accept that offer to join Larry's band. He plays a lot of guitar! And Larry ALWAYS appreciated a good guitar man in his rhythm section. Hey Joe, the benefits are great! Waltzes, Polkas, Swing, Larry's band does it all! And Kathy Lennon does a mean Polka too!

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 06:36 pm:

Is that Joe doing the initial intro lick on Love Child?

By stephanie (69.138.239.31) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 06:38 pm:

Joe I realize that family comes first and Im so glad that you were at least able to have some more fun again. Jack please keep the Funks going for as long as you can maybe another two years and then call it quits,,,,,
Stephanie

By MagyarEd (209.163.99.78) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 07:02 pm:

Sis, my question is the same as yours. I would love to see Joe on American Idol and Motown 45 with the other guys. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think it's going to happen.

By Steve LItos (209.100.86.4) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 07:21 pm:

Eli - Here's part of Deke Richards' old post describing the fabulous funk guitarists of Motown on "Love Child".

(Note: I can't remember if Earl Van Dyke, couldn't be located, or just wasn't called because Frank was going be on piano. However, Robert White, Eddie Willis and Joe Messina all showed up as well as Jamerson.)
I was pretty excited myself. It was going to the first, and maybe the last time I would ever have the honor to play side by side with The Funk Brothers. The engineer sat me up in a chair directly across from them. I have to say, I was really a little uncomfortable. JJ and the boys always sat in the same chairs placed in a line. They were ragging on me and I remember Joe saying something like ,"You're on our turf now' and they all laughed. I was never what I'd consider a 'great guitar player', but I could hold my own. I remember I just kept thinking, 'settle in, relax, everything's going to be fine'. At the end of the studio there was a door that went into the small room for the horns. I think it was also used for small string sessions, although I never cut strings there. This is where R. Dean was placed, since he was playing the acoustic guitar.


We ran down the chart a few times and I watched what the guitars were playing. Robert White had these serious fingernails, and always kept them manicured to a tee. He is the one that would pluck the chords with his nails instead of using a pick. That's what got that clean distinct chord sound. Joe mostly played rhythm. I noticed he only used the first four strings, staying off the E & A bass strings, thus making a cleaner rhythm sound. Eddie always did the little licks and added the personality here and there. Keep in mind, this style I mention, wasn't etched in stone, but they did use these styles on many of the sessions I observed or produced. Everyone knows they could switch gears and play whatever, whenever. Anyway, I decided to keep Robert on the sustained chords. I had Joe double Deans acoustic, and Eddie I took with me. I wanted the PT to really stick out there and be seamless. I didn't want Eddie to double me, or it would have sounded too busy or clashing. So I told Eddie to mute his strings and just pick 16ths on his bass string in the verses. I finger picked all the notes that went over, under and around Eddie while he just stayed on the same note all the way.


OK, we (the guitars) were ready. Frank and Dean were balanced and ready. Frank gave the drums the same 16ths that Eddie was playing for the intro and verses. The only thing missing was the actual intro. We tried a drum kick, a bass lick, a piano lick, but none of it worked. Then, Paul Riser (bless his soul) actual gave me the idea for that made me find the intro. If it was going to start up with the guitar pickin thing as the basic foundation, then I should get us there on the guitar as well. I just needed something quick, simple and tasty. I put in these 2 chords up higher on the neck. It sounded a bit thin, so we added the cymbal crescendo to build it up and then slam it down into the groove. It really worked quite nice. We were ready for a take. Frank did the count-off, Hank stayed with the drummer, (It was Pistol or Uriel), and Berry made sure it was going on tape. We used up the entire 3 hour session on "Love Child". We had just cut the track for the next Diana Ross single. It was a simple sounding track, but solid and strong.

By 65memories (68.73.195.15) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 08:14 pm:

Joe...
...Thanks, man.

By Michael McLean (67.30.237.15) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:46 pm:

For ten years, I saw Joe every day, with his black hair.

All I can say is that I remember when he played on the Soupy Sales 11:00 PM show, and it was very groovy indeed.

There is no question that Joe is a fine fellow who plays with utter mastery! He is also a very modest fellow who knows that we all are little tiny parts of the whole. He accepts this. I don't.

Unlike Joe, I want to start a "Three Stooges" party, so we can pass laws (after we get elected) that will require everyone to be lacking in good manners.

Mike McLean

By CyberCowGrrl (68.83.142.226) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 12:35 pm:

All My Best to Joe and Josie!! <hugs hugs hugs>

Get a personally autographed copy of
"GIANT STEPS" by Joe Messina
Progression Studies Over 500 Exercises

Over 500 phrases using a large variety of scale choices. A must have for advanced students. Learn new ways to color and texture these elusive changes.

Book Description:
Joe Messina says" I was inspired to write this book because a serious student will need to know the basics of music theory. If you practice these exercises and can master these classic jazz changes you will find your reward when you go to improvise and can play the basics cold. With all the different combinations in my book you will be ready to play your best. That is the goal of every true artist.

Advanced Student:
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from
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http://www.cyberpg.com/Culdesac/Stars/fbBooks.html

CyberCowGrrl

By keith (64.26.97.254) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 03:03 pm:

I would like to see either dennis coffey or bobby eli to take joe's place.

By History Buff (63.88.160.101) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 03:19 pm:

With joe and jack leaving the funks I belive that no replacements should be placed in the band. This should be the final curtain call.When you start placing other players in the group it becomes like alot of oldies groups, the funks with ect. then fighting over the name starts, and now there sre 2 gourps fighting . The magic was made with the orginal members not replacements

By Juicefree20 (68.161.24.249) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 03:52 pm:

Joe, I'm sorry to learn of your troubles. I hope that God will bless you & your wife. It's been more than a pleasure to have heard & own the music that you contributed to. Job well done, my friend. I hope that things will get better & that one day, you'll be able to rejoin your mates. You helped write the soundtracks of our lives. I'm sure that I speak for all of us when I say that mere thanks are insufficient for the joys & memories you helped to provide for us. I wish that I could do, or say more.

By Millie (216.8.139.140) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 06:43 pm:

History Buff,
You obviously don't know who Dennis Coffey is or you wouldn't have made such a insensitive remark. According to Allen Slutsky, Dennis Coffey was as much of a Funk Brother as everyone else. Bob Babbitt and Dennis worked together at Motown, so how can you call one a Funk and not the other? It was Dennis' choice not to be a part of the documentary because of previous commitments. He was invited to join the tour but declined for the same reasons.

By Clay (68.43.133.99) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 03:00 am:

Joe M.
You're the best and I've always treasured my days of working with you at Motown. I understand your decision and I'm sure you made the right choice. The world now knows that you and the fellas were responsible for the greatest tracks recorded on the planet. Take care of the MISSES and Live well old friend. I may be calling soon to work on a project here at home at my studio, so don't be surprised when you get my call........LOL In the meantime relax, and look after your family. If you ever need me for anything at all just Holla....and I'm there.

Thanks for the Music, Love and Friendship over the years.........................Peace

By Funk Timo (195.218.79.69) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 04:55 am:

Joe,
Sad to hear that you are leaving, but I'm sure you made the right choice. Take good care of your wife and yourself. And many thanks for the joy that you have brought to all of us. It was great to see you in Helsinki in February. I will not forget it. Keep smiling!
Best wishes,
Funk Timo

By History Buff (63.88.160.101) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 08:23 am:

Magic is made only once,a group of people come to gather and somthing special happens,to put an other person in the line up and call it the same group seem to be some what of disception. During motowns hay day Their were a great many people who worked on the hits,Bur the funks without Joe and Jack are not the funks.People pay to see the stars not the understudies.
I dont care if you brought in Eric Clapton to play. its still not joe.
Dennis coffey can play but he is not joe and never will be.Celebrate the Funks,not the funks with a replacement.

By Vonnie (64.12.96.238) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 08:37 am:

History Buff, take your meds, and say a prayer.

God Bless You!

Vonnie

By Sue (205.188.198.171) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 09:48 am:

Except for a few like Joe Messina and Eddie Willis who were there for years, the Funk Brothers had a very fluid, changing line-up.

Jack Ashford was there at the beginning, then fired by Berry Gordy several times (and on the road with Marvin etc.) so that there were big chunks of years when he wasn't at Hitsville recording. He had his own labels ...

Dennis Coffey played on earlier sessions, and on more sessions, than Bob Babbitt.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 10:27 am:

Without a doubt, Dennis Coffey IS a Funk Brother.

By BankHouseDave (195.93.34.12) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 10:28 am:

The voice of reason, Sue.

If the History Buff had his way it would have been all up for the Funks when Jamerson, Robert or Earl died. The other guys should just have hung up their instruments, I suppose. I don't think so. I'd go to see any one of them. They each bring some of the magic and some of that magic will always be better than none.

By Vonnie (64.12.96.238) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 10:30 am:

Thanks Sue,

As usual you know the real deal. History Buff, this is how History is rewritten.

Vonnie

By jack (67.32.83.232) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 11:08 am:

Sorry; Berry never fired me! And Mike terry and I left Motown at the same time to work for Wingate. After a year and a half I went back,and stayed until they moved .Love you and Thank you all for the years.Jack,funk brothers

By History Buff (63.88.160.101) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 11:39 am:

Vonnie look at the last post and tell everybody how correct sue is,This forum is one big happy love in. any view that is different from the main stream is put down,How many D.S.O players were on motown recoards, are they also funk bros.

This forum is is so one sided, Berry Gordy is treated as if he acted like a saint, Dennis coffey is treated as if he is the best player in the world.And on and on.

The world is made up of different views,but not the soulfull detroit world,all is greatand any one who differs from that view is treated like Sh--t,
No one can replace Joe or Jack,Dust off coffey take him out of the closet and put him on the road but it will not be the same

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 11:42 am:

HB

It beats me why people like you continue to access this forum.

But not for much longer!

David

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 12:03 pm:

HB
the DSO players are string guys. Their contribution was not on-going. However, the Funks in all their various manifistations were the core that everything else adhered to. This information is not posted to promote this as some sort of a feel good sight as you so erroniously suggest. It is strictly used to keep the record straight. In your way of thinking, after the Death of Benny B., are Uriel and Pistol just upstarts? You really don't have much of a clue pal. Take it from those of us that were there We know what we're talking about.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 12:07 pm:

Folks:
All History Buff wants to do is get attention. Don't bother with their anonymous crap.

Some babies need to be left alone to cry.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Sue (12.34.51.20) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 12:21 pm:

Jack,
What about the stories told in SITSOM about how Berry would fire varous Funks for working for HDH, and you'd be fired twice ...Johnnie Griffith told the main one but you guys have told similar stories on the road, onstage.

By bmiller360 (67.112.38.244) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 02:24 pm:

I've intentionally stayed away from this thread because I expressed my feelings to Joe directly, however I do have a couple thoughts re: the funks and the state of the group as of late. First of all, in my humble opinion, the funks guitar section was Joe, Robert and Eddie. Nothing personal against Dennis.....he did play on many, many terrific records there, but just my opinion, with Joe not being there, that most identifiable piece of the puzzle leaves a huge void. It's not easy to watch the times go by and not have things be the way we knew and loved them, but in this case, the vibe looks to be changing with the funks.
I must say that the last couple occasions we saw the funks, I was pretty disappointed seeing a number of Philly guys in prominent positions on stage. I'm sure they are very respected and capable guys, but if you want to be real about this, it was a bit disturbing to watch the large-presence of a keyboard player, making grand gestures right out in front, with Joe Hunter tucked away on the B3, sort of just minding his own business and, if he could be heard between the e-piano frenzy, tearin' it up! Also, Uriel Jones, to me, looking second banana to a very qualified "other" drummer, again playing pretty aggressively and Uriel doing his best to "do what he does". The funks have been, very gently and slowly, evolved into a bit more of an amalgam than I would hope for...........but in this world, I personally have about the least authority in this group to be proactive.
Allan Slutsky has done magic with all the enormous effort he put into this huge project and I do know that this guy can really play........my buddy Joe Messina always had very high praise for Allan's abilities. But IMHO he's let this monumental task become a bit other than what it started off as. My fear of not having the funks on the Grammy broadcast this year was exactly been realized. It may never be able to happen, and that is truly a shame. I do know that my bro Stu worked like a monster to get the well-deserved award into the guys hands, but struggled, in the most classy way, I might add, to get the guys on the actual braodcast........but in vain.
No, the funks didn't die with the loss of Benny, or even if I may really stick my neck out, the loss of Jamerson, who even as Babbitt will tell you was irreplaceable. That said, Babbitt is a true funk brother and somehow managed to keep the original magic alive, to his great credit. He truly deserves all the rewards of the last couple of years with the funks. If you want to go overboard, you could insist that Jack Brokensha should be up there too, but for all practical reasons, Jack Ashford has his little piece of real estate on that stage covered beyond even what we see up there physically. You see, Jack Ashford had a place in the community, and a very closed community at that, of the funk brothers. He was more than a guy who just reported in for sessions and did his job. He was a piece of the puzzle that the public never saw. This is why as some of these guys start to drop out, it starts to become what someone in an earlier post referred to as an oldies act........not "The Funks".
I'm probably just being a bit too sentimental in my feelings about this, but there is something to be said for the true "storytellers and story participators" in this strange little group.
Joe M, Eddie, Robert, Earl, Johnny G, Joe H, Jack A, Uriel, Pistol, Benny, Babbitt, and Jamerson were more than just the guys who were called to frequently do sessions...........they were a true family, with all the dynamics of what a real family is. (god, after all this I really hope I didn't leave anyone out).
Anyway, just my long-winded opinion of what's goin' on with the funks and to say, I'm indebted to Allan, and Paul and the rest who made the whole thing possible, but IMHO it's started to become something it ain't and that's not a good thing...................IMHO.
with love,
bruce
p.s.: Hey, I played flute on "For Once In My Life"............so maybe I could join the Philly guys sometime!

By Nish (128.239.194.248) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 02:39 pm:

Thank you to Joe Messina for all the music, and I certainly hope you have fun and get well-deserved rest during your retirement!

NISH

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.162.3) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 02:45 pm:

Amen!!!! Bruce
WELDON

By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 03:15 pm:

TO JOE, JACK, THE FUNK BROTHERS, AND CREATORS OF MUSIC EVERYWHERE (It's not Stubass...I just wanted to get my point across)-

First of all I would like to say a big thank you to the group. Why you ask? Because at the very fundamental level you brought a very important thing in people's lives everywhere. You've brought HAPPINESS through the power of your music.

It doesn't matter if a song was a hit or a flop, sold millions or sold in the hundreds, performed for 100,000 or performed for 10, made people a star or left standing in the shadows, made millions of dollars or nothing at all...as long as it brought HAPPINESS to the listener of the music then it has been SUCCESSFUL.

So with that in mind, it doesn't really matter if the Funk Brothers break up in the end...for they have already been the most successful group of all time according to my definition. The music still lives on & it will live on for future generations even after the Funks (& all of us) have left this world.

Thanks again for the music.

-Steve

By STUBASS (205.188.198.173) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 04:09 pm:

.....THIS *IS* STUBASS!!!...I RECIEVED AN E-MAIL FROM A FORUM MEMBER TELLING ME THAT MY BROTHER MADE ONE OF HIS RARE...BUT INSIGHTFUL APPEARANCES HERE...AND I DECIDED TO READ THROUGH THIS THREAD AND ALSO RESPOND!!!...FIRST OF ALL...BRUCE IS ONE OF THE VERY *FEW* PEOPLE WHO KNOWS THE INTIMATE DETAILS OF THE FUNK BROTHERS FROM A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE (AS WE'VE OFTEN DISCUSSED)...AND UNDERSTANDS THE MUSICALITY OF IT ALL!!!...I WON'T EMBARRASS BRUCE BY GIVING YOU ALL A GLIMPSE OF HIS STORIED AND SUCCESSFUL MUSICAL CAREER...BUT TRUST ME...HE KNOWS OF WHAT HE SPEAKS...UNLIKE A FEW OF THE OPINIONS I'VE SEEN EXPRESSED HERE!!!...
.....(LIKE THE PARAGRAPH SEPERATION)???...FIRST AND FOREMOST!!!...JOE...ENJOY ALL THE TIME YOU NEED TO REFLECT ON ALL YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED OVER YOUR PRODIGIOUS AND MAGNIFICENT CAREER!!!...I'M SURE YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN A "HERO" AROUND THE MILLER HOUSEHOLD FOR WELL OVER 40 YEARS...AND YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND INFLUENCE ON BRUCES MOST SUCCESSFUL CAREER IS GREATER THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!!!...*YOU*...NOT BRUCE IS THE HERO HERE...AND I'LL SIDE WITH BRUCIE ALL THE WAY ON THAT ONE...DESPITE WHAT YOU MAY SAY!!!...YOU WERE ONE OF THE FEW PEOPLE (ALONG WITH MANCINI) WHO A YOUTHFUL BRUCE COULD RELATE TO FROM A MUSICAL PERSPECTIVE...AND THE INFLUENCE IS OBVIOUS IN ALL THE RECORDING...TELEVISION...AND FILM WORK HE HAS SO CAPABLY DONE OVER THE PAST FEW DECADES...AS ALL THE AWARDS AND RECOGNITION HE HAS RECIEVED BEAR WITNESS TO!!!...OUR BEST GOES OUT TO JOSIE...AND YOU ARE BOTH EXTREMELY LUCKY TO HAVE EACH OTHER!!!...ENJOY THE REST...YOU DESERVE IT!!!...
..... AS FOR THE FUNK BROTHERS...I AGREE 100-PERCENT WITH BRUCE...AND NOTICED ALL THE SAME THINGS HE DID!!!...I FEEL YOU JACK...AND ONLY HOPE THAT THIS SITUATION CAN SOMEHOW BE RESOLVED THROUGH SOUND MANAGEMENT AND GETTING BACK TO THE BASIC CONCEPT HERE OF RECOGNIZING JUST WHAT YOU MEN ACCOMPLISHED...AND BEING THERE TO ACCEPT THE RECOGNITION YOU ALL SO RICHLY DESERVE...NOT JUST FOR YOURSELVES...BUT FOR THOSE FUNK BROTHERS NO LONGER WITH US WHO HAVE LEFT IT TO YOU TO REPRESENT THEM!!!...
.....FINALLY...STEVE LITOS...YOU AND DAVE DELCAMBRE...AND GARY ROSEN...AND SO MANY OTHERS ON THIS FORUM AND ELSEWHERE WHO CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE FUNK BROTHERS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ARE MUCH DESERVING OF ALL THE PRAISE AND RECOGNITION THAT WE CAN GIVE YOU...AND I'M PERSONALLY SORRY THAT THEY COULD NOT BE THERE IN PERSON TO RECIEVE THEIR AWARD...BUT...IT'S IN THE BOOKS AND NOW A PART OF MUSICAL HISTORY!!!...
..... NOW...IT'S ON TO THE GOLF COURSE LOOKING FOR BIRDIES!!!...TAKE CARE ALL...STUBASS

PS...BRUCIE...SORRY I CALLED YOUR NEW CARRERA AN OVERPRICED VOLKSWAGEN!!!...KEEP IT UNDER A BUCK-20...OR I'LL TELL MOM AND DAD!!!...HAAAAAAAAAAA!!!...ENJOY!!!

By Soul Sister (65.43.144.46) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 05:23 pm:

Hey Stubass;
Where you been? Don't you know people miss you here! Welcome back!
S.S.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 05:26 pm:

STU!!!!!!
Hey man! Don't be a stranger!!!!! Welcome home, amigo!!!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By History Buff (63.88.160.101) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 05:34 pm:

to kev go throw in your 2 cents worth for that is all you know how to do
I made s statment and others who posted latter seem to agree with my thoughts.
The film and the live shows brought the funks out of the shadows and into the public light,but with jack and joe leaving for what ever reasons any replacmen of players seems wrong.
there must have been many players over the years that worked on the motown hits so to say they were funk bros. is a streach,coffey included.
when replacements were put in the funks it was during production, the hay day of motown,that was 40 years ago.this is totaly different,its about showing the world who made the music,and the band and film have done that,this is not a franchise

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 05:49 pm:

History Buff:
YAAAAAAWWWWWNNNN to you, my jealous friend...

Folks:
We all have our opinions regarding this matter and I have spoken with Jack Ashford off the forum about Joe Messina leaving the Funks and his own contemplation of the same. I also reached out to Joe Hunter regarding this as well & my concerns echo those of Bruce and Stu Miller's.

While I would like to see the Funks continue the realization is that touring and doing shows is a grind and can wear out even the most youthful person. Now that they've received the mainstream recognition they deserved, the Funks should relax, reflect and enjoy the accolades that were so long overdue.

Regards,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By David Meikle (62.252.128.10) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 05:54 pm:

Here's a nice pic of Joe with Rik Williams of Motown Chatbusters. Courtesy Dave Leedham

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.101) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 06:05 pm:

Dennis was an important part of a significant era at Motown, and as far as I can tell, there is a huge mutual respect between him and Joe. I don't think Dennis begrudged anyone playing his parts (although maybe he collected a rental fee on the fuzzbox ) in the film or on tour, and I doubt anyone would begrudge him a seat on stage with the Funks with or without Joe.

All that is, of course, beside the point that any one of these guys has nothing to prove at this point and if they don't find the grind of touring personally or professionally rewarding anymore, then they should not feel compelled to do so.

Thanks to all of them for what they have done, thanks to Alan for insuring proper recognition for their place in history, and thanks to those other recruits in the touring band for helping to make it all happen on a nightly basis.

Regards,
Ken

By Dennis Coffey (152.163.253.70) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 07:16 pm:

Hello Everyone. A lot of this is much ado about nothing. The Funks are my friends, fine players, and great guys. I played on many sessions with them and I'm glad they finally got the recognition they deserved. I'm sorry Bruce but I don't recall seeing you there. I hear that Ray Monette is now going to play with the Funks in LA. Ray is another great guy and fine musician. I did many sessions with him as well. The Funks will go out and play as long as any of them want to and people want to hear them. I wish them continued success.

By jack (68.210.72.31) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 10:44 pm:

Sue the person that said that I was fired twice was not Berry, He never came to any outside sessions to see who was moonlighting. NEVER.Thats just the way Allen wrote the script,for effect. I have never known or heard of a musician that had been actully fired for outside sessions. Jack

By Funk Timo (195.218.79.69) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 01:33 am:

Hi!
Can somebody share some information about Ray Monette who is going to replace Joe Messina in LA? Did he play at Motown sessions in the sixties?Sorry that I don't know much about him yet. But maybe some of you can help me now in this matter!
Have a nice day to everybody... Especially for Joe and Josie!
-Funk Timo, (Helsinki, Finland)

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 05:27 am:

Funk Timo

There are a number of Ray Monette threads in the archives which are easy to access and show how much Ray is respected.

For me he is especially respected for his work with Jack at Pied Piper Productions.

Exquisite music.

By Funk Timo (195.218.79.69) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 05:37 am:

Thanks David! I'll do some research.
Funk Timo

By History Buff (63.88.160.101) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 08:11 am:

Kev & Go
Jealous of what ? a over wieght 30 somthing little man who in todays terms is called a POSER.
No real friends only cyber pals. The main people on this forum are at least 30 years older than you and yet your on this forum 24-7.
I havent see your big recoard label out their yet, whats the problem? Get a real life.
Seek medical help,

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 09:17 am:

Kevin

I'm going to leave this crap on the forum as he's not got much time left with us.

Those 2 albums on "your big record label" that I bought recently are great. If you have any advertising please link us or mail me and I will upload for all decent folks to see. I'm looking forward to your next Detroit venture which I saw on another thread.

I'd also like to thank guys like you for being history buffs in every sense of the word and for taking risks with these invaluable projects.

David

By Vonnie (205.188.199.178) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 09:41 am:

History Buff,

As usual you are wrong! I'm glad that David has told the true story.

Now as for myself, my message to you is "Talk To The Hand"! Oh no I meant to say "Talk To The Finger", because "YOU ARE NOT WORTH FIVE"!

Vonnie

By Horse (159.53.14.143) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 10:36 am:

History Buff,

Dennis Coffee doesn't need any "Dusting Off". He plays on a regular basis and like any other committed musician, has continued to grow. I have personally witness his playing recently and he's burnin'. Have You? You are defintely entitled to your opinion, However, If you have a respect for Soul and Motown music, you should also display respect to the musicians who have contributed to it.

By JimG (68.20.140.8) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 11:00 am:

I remember when Dennis and Lymon Woodard performed on Detroit Jazz Alive. I'd never heard Dennis in person and I was really impressed. He swung his ass off! He's an excellent musician with a wealth of ideas and the chops to execute them.

By History Buff (63.88.160.101) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 11:02 am:

Who replaces who,All I stated is when any group replaces one or two of its founding members it not the same.The owner of the Funks name is trying to keep it going and make as much as possable, that is very clear. Touring is hard work and the orginal funks have put in a tough 2 years.As Mr. Messina and Now Mr. Ashford are leaving the group, should it keep going with different personal?All of you have a person in mind for fill the empty spots, but are they the same peoplr who made the magic 40 years ago, NO.Like I stated this is starting to become like an oldies band.One or two founding members and the rest fillins.Vonnie read between the lines and you will see you whatis comming up in your life

By Sue (152.163.253.70) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 11:08 am:

Hey, JimG what's up? Buff, Jack A. will tell you, he came in a few years after Joe Messina, Joe Hunter, Benny Benjamin and James Jamerson.

That doesn't diminish Jack's contributions at all. But if you're insisting on defining founding members, that excludes Uriel as well.

By Sue (152.163.253.70) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 11:10 am:

JimG, I wonder if there's a tape of that Jazz Alive performance? What year would it be?

By Sue (152.163.253.70) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 11:11 am:

p.s. The Funk Brothers own their own name.

By Vonnie (152.163.253.70) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 11:29 am:

History Buff,

What has come up in my life is positivity and the love of all my brothers and sisters. What about you?


Vonnie

By JimG (68.20.140.8) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 12:08 pm:

HiYa Sue,

I think there MAY even be video, I'll check on that. But yes there should be audiotape somewhere in my basement. 1992-3.
And, Ooops I heardDennis back at the Grande in the late 60s.

By STUBASS (152.163.253.70) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 12:12 pm:

HEY GUYS (KEV & SS)!!!...GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!...MY PLATE IS QUITE FULL RIGHT NOW WITH THINGS I'M WORKING ON AND TAKING CARE OF...SO I REALLY HAVENT HAD TIME TO LOOK IN ON THE FORUM!!!...THAT SAID...SEVERAL FOLKS KNOW THAT I AM HAPPY TO RESPOND TO E-MAILS THE FIRST CHANCE I GET...AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE MY E-MAIL ADDRESS...YOU CAN CLICK ON THE HEADING!!!...EASY ON!!!...STUBASS

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 12:20 pm:

Folks:
The two records David Meikle was referring to are two Detroit-related releases I compiled for Tuff City Records that are available on vinyl and will soon be released on CD.

FUNKY FUNKY DETROIT covers the 1970s releases of Black Nasty and other artists that were produced by the late Johnnie Mae Matthews.

JOE HUNTER - THE HAWK is the first of a three-part series covering the work of the legendary Funk Brother outside of Motown.

The CD versions of both will have additional tracks and liner notes written by yours truly based on interviews with Kaiya Matthews, Artwell Matthews, Ron Banks of the Dramatics and Joe Hunter. The vinyl releases were mastered at Master Cutting Room here in NYC - the same
facility that remastered the ABKCO catalog for the SACD format.

Upcoming CD/LP releases include recordings by the Masters of Soul (from Houston's Ovide Records), Pearl Woods (the writer of "Something's Got A Hold Of Me") and compilations featuring the funky soul of Houston and Chicago. All except the Chicago compilation will feature rare photos, tracks and liner notes based on interviews I conducted.

For more info, here's the link -
http://www.tuffcity.com

I'm in the process now of transferring the Sport/Boss/Sir-Rah session tapes for mixing and mastering. Talk about a hell of a catalog - Four Sonics, Andre Williams, Dramatics, Abstract Reality, Appreciations. These tunes will make their first appearance in stereo on upcoming compilations and reissues. Ray Monette of Abstract Reality/Michael & Raymond posted some wonderful info regarding the "Love Burns Like A Fire Inside" session (I can hear the ambiance of Golden World's studio on the tape!).

As for my own venture - Libra Records & Productions - if all things work out I will FINALLY have a studio and office to launch the company within the next few days. I will keep folks posted.

Regards,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 12:24 pm:

BTW:
The Joe Hunter collection and the Sport catalog features the fine musicianship & production work of the Funk Brothers.

Joe Hunter served as one of Sport's arrangers and session leaders. Jack Ashford produced many artists for Sport (such as the Four Sonics) in addition to his Pied Piper work.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By SoulangelSister (65.43.144.46) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 12:25 pm:

Hey Stu man;
Its good to hear from you. Glad your doing well, we know your busy and have important stuff to do, so just do what you gotta do, just know you are missed, especially your sense of humor that would make me laugh even when I was feeling down. See ya' when we see ya'!
Take Care of Yourself,
S.S.

By DoctorLicks (152.163.253.70) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 01:19 pm:

Hey guys,

I'd hope to stay out of the goings-on in this thread but it's reached a point where there is too much dis-information going on so I have to jump in.

What we have here is a semantical/auditory problem. The word in question is "fined," not "fired." That word was used in the scene where Eddie Willis and Johnny Griffith talked about Motown sending spies out to try and catch Motown studio musicians moonlighting. Then they would "fine"--not "fire" them.

As for scripting things for effect, that never happened in our movie. 90% of what you saw was off-the-cuff interviews. The other 10% was when we asked various members of the Funk Brothers to retell things they had told us in previous interviews.

The only scripting was in the narration.

Allan Slutsky

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 01:26 am:

Kev,

Is the Boss label that you speak of, the same one that released Mope-Itty- Mope, by the Bosstones?

By Funkfan51 (4.11.105.126) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 02:06 am:

Greetings everyone, to hear that Joe Messina has decided to stop touring with the Funks and the possibility of Jack Ashford doing the same saddens me. I completely understand how family comes first. It took 40 years for the Funks story to be told and I, like you, want the world to know and acknowledge their contribution to music and to the combined impact they made with the artist they backed. For those of us who were blessed by seeing them perform these last couple of years will forever be able to put a face behind the music. We all have heros and I think it's safe to say that the Funks are everybody's heros here at SDF, and we all seem to root for the underdogs, which the Funks were. Having anybody fill in or replace one member or another will not be the same as one of the original members. If the rest of the group decides to continue with or without Joe or Jack, thats up to them to do so, even though we all seem to aggree that it just wouldn't be the same.And as I remember from the movie, Martha Reeves said " whos in town or who out, but it was always the Funk brothers,first". I wish Joe & Jack nothing but the best for their futures and ask God to bless all the Funks and I would hope you all here at SDF would do the same.

By jack (68.221.133.158) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 03:00 am:

Thanks, Jack Ashford the funk Brothers

By BAN (140.183.155.5) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 12:55 pm:

Mr. Messina will be missed. He and the Funk Brothers have brought happiness and joy for over forty years and I am glad that the Funk Brothers have gotten their proper respect!! Funkfan51 said it best.

God Bless!!

By just Larry (67.101.87.153) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 01:32 pm:

If I may hijack the topic for a moment to reiterate all the love on this thread....

MONDO MAJOR MAXI Hats Off to

Allen Slutsky, Sue Whitall, Paul, Sandy et al.
...and The Funk Brothers for an eternity of phukkin hellatious music!

By Funkfan51 (4.11.105.126) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 05:51 pm:

A big Amen to that just Larry.

By Jay (167.167.200.218) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 03:32 am:

I went to see a show at the Kodak here in Hollywood a few weeks ago.

The Rat Pack consisting of 3 men portraying, singing, joking their best to be Frank, Sammy and Dean.

Were they good? Well if you compared them to the original.....not. But if you took it for face value, it was sort of a tribute to some marvelously talented entertainers of their day. The music, the gags, the overall fun quotient and a very good 12 piece band playing music that a lot of people attending had never heard before.

You see where I'm going here ; -)
As the Funk bros retire and move on to better things, it is still the essence of their music that will live on no matter who is playing.

Will it be the way everyone remembered it?
...It never is. But it ain't bad!

Joe, Jack,
Thanks for all the great music and best of luck! ...Because you guys ARE the real thing.

Jay

By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 03:05 pm:

Very well put Jay!

By Earlene (205.188.209.9) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 02:29 pm:

Joe,

My love and best wishes to you and Josie. You gave the world a wonderful gift of your music and your infectious smile. I'm glad I got a chance to meet Josie in Philadelphia. I'm sure it was a difficult decision but one which I applaud. I can also understand the position and decision Jack is now trying to make. It's been forty plus years since the beginning of the Funk Brothers sound. I am glad I was there at the beginning and understand the changes that must now take place. God bless and give my best to Josie.

By LadyMystique (216.222.240.137) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 10:33 pm:

Hey Joe...I wished I could have seen you live, but I have the records here and I could put on a live show right here at home! Good luck bro!

By Juicefree20 (68.161.48.203) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 11:09 pm:

Man, there was some serious disrespect up in here. Mr Dennis Coffey, in my opinion is no interloper. This man was a big part of Motown & as such, he deserves more respect in this forum. Historybuff, I understand where you're coming from. I, too have major problems with a 40 year group, having a 20 something year old talking about the hits that "WE" had. In Mr Coffeys case, that's not the case. Although not an original Funk Brother, he's cut from the same cloth. He didn't come along, 30 years after the fact. He was an integral part of the Motown hit machine back in the day. While I understand how you feel, honestly, did Mr Coffey do anything to merit disrespect?

If we disregarded groups that have changed 2 or more members, we'd have to disregard groups such as: The Drifters, The Moments, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Coasters, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Impressions (both with Jerry Butler & the 70s after Curtis), The Flamingos & so forth. All of these groups had several members leave. We all know that The Moments turned over the ENTIRE lineup that gave them their first hit, Not On The Outside.

A simple perusal of some LP covers will attest to his contributions. I see him as a rightful heir, the one that they passed the baton to. I look as it as though they weaned him & helped mold him in order to keep the flame lit. He's no new jack, he was a part of Motown.

Of course it won't be the same, how could it be? Then again, listening to most artists 30 years later is not the same. It's the spirit that is the same. The joy of being able to bring joy to people is the same.

KevGo, I look forward to your Sport compilation. It's about time that someone got together those early Dramatics sides. Please Kev, give as much background info on the groups & rel dates as possible! You've got a buyer here!

Peace to all!
Juice

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 09:51 am:

Nice image on Sue's Wednesday article
http://www.detnews.com/2004/events/0403/25/d01-101185.htm

By larry (216.23.183.2) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 05:17 pm:

Sue's the bomb.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 06:32 pm:

yes she is

Vickie

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 07:10 pm:

JuiceFree:
Not to worry about the Dramatics' Sport sides. I interviewed Ron Banks regarding their brief stay with the label and the music they recorded.

Each session tape box details what was recorded, where & when. Most of the Sport sessions took place at United Sound.

Gotta get back to work!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Juicefree20 (68.161.31.21) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 09:47 pm:

What's Up Kev!!

That's good news, very good news. When is it scheduled to be released?

Peace!
Juice

By GTO (68.41.20.56) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 11:20 pm:

To Joe,
The singing was great, but the music truly made the songs to me. Thanks for the wonderful musical journey.