The other week, I revisited “Standing the Shadows of Motown,” and although I’ve seen the movie a few times (including a memorable show in Campus Martius Park), this time it had a different kind of impact.
So if you’ve got the ability to play it, here’s a song to go with the post from the soundtrack…
The realization was that no matter who front-lined, the music was as timeless. As someone who generally eschews covers, I must admit I was surprised by this. But that’s because it didn’t feel like a cover.
And then I realized – with the numerous members – the Funk Brothers aren’t just a band – but a small community that made some of the best music in American history together. Don’t forget, there were, depending on your standard, between 13 and over 70 funk brothers.
What are the lessons your community (online or off – it’s the same in my book) can take away from the Funk Brothers?
1. When a community is solid, it doesn’t matter who’s lead singer. And, in fact, the best lead singer is but a servant for the community. It’s not – and can’t be – all about them. The songs of Motown prove that. In the movie, Joan Osborne, Bootsy Collins, Ben Harper, Chaka Khan took the place of some legends like Martha Reeves and Marvin Gaye – it didn’t matter that it wasn’t the original singers. It felt real, because it was.
2. You stick by each other. You call when someone’s dropped off – just because someone is not giving you three useful social media links a day doesn’t mean they’re not important or you shouldn’t talk to them. Real friends do that.
Maybe pick up the phone – it might be just what they need. If someone suddenly drops out, there’s probably something actually wrong. Communities send love, networking groups gossip.
Frankly, if the number of links someone shares or retweets they do of your stuff is your judgement of community, you’re operating in a networking mode, not as a community member.
3. People mess up. People have problems. Because, newsflash, they’re people. And when they do, you love them. Make amends. Make apologies all around. Ten years from now it won’t matter, and if it still does to you, you’re petty, and I don’t want to know you in ten years.
I’m sure almost all of us have an internal list of things from the past to right – and I’m gonna do my best in the next few months to make that happen. We all make mistakes and I’ve made my share.
4. Communities are much stronger than just networking. The Funk Brothers are here after decades not just because they’re good – lots of good bands break up. There’s love there. It’s obvious in the movie that love; the love for each other and what they do. That’s the difference. If you’re judging who you talk to by the type of car they drive, you’re missing the boat.
5. Don’t overlook any instrument or any community member. Think Jack Ashford, “the fabulous tambourine man” – it was obvious he kept the stories and at times helped keep the group together. Not to mention, can you imagine the sound without that tambourine? Just like the Motown sound is marked by the solid bass, it’s top sounds are just as important. Don’t let your tambourine men and women fall silent.
What are your community inspirations? Your tips? Leave’em in the comments.
I really like this analogy, and you share some really good lessons about community. I agree with all your points, especially number one. There is no one shining star in a community. A community becomes successful when there are many supporting pillars. Although it may seem like some people stand out more than others (maybe because they are more vocal or share their ideas/opinions more publicly), the magic really happens when there is a solid group of people who move things forward. At least that’s the experience I have in our metro Detroit community.