Feature length documentary film
THE SPIRIT MOVES THROUGH MOTOWN
The Spirit Moves Through MoTown tells Jack Ashford's story and how God influenced his career at Motown. As part of the Funk Brothers, Ashford contributed to the creation of some of the most influential music in history, working under Berry Gordy at Motown's Hitsville USA.
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LATEST UPDATE
We just wrapped a powerful week of interviews with Jack Ashford plus his family and friends in Memphis, and are now raising funds to film in Los Angeles and begin editing these priceless stories into the heart of the film.
The Spirit Moves Through MoTown, a feature-length film, telling Jack Ashford's story and how God influenced Motown. As part of the Funk Brothers, Ashford contributed to the creation of some of the most influential music in history, working under Berry Gordy at Motown's Hitsville USA.
Our vision is to illuminate untold stories of Motown through the lens of the Funk Brothers last surviving member, weaving together music, history, and spirituality
The Spirit Moves Through Motown is more than a film—it’s a cultural event celebrating a living legend and a musical dynasty that shaped modern pop. With Jack Ashford at its heart, the film offers sponsors & donors a rare chance to align with authenticity, nostalgia, and a story that resonates across generations. This is an opportunity to be part of a project with soul, impact, and a fresh perspective on an iconic legacy.
About Jack
Jack Ashford’s tambourine, vibes, and percussion beats were the heartbeat of Motown’s golden era. From Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” to The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love,” Jack’s talent helped craft more No. 1 hits than The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley combined.
Behind the music lies a deeper journey—one of faith, resilience, and divine purpose. Raised in Philadelphia with a love for jazz, Jack never imagined he’d end up in Detroit, shaping the “Motown Sound.” He calls it God’s hand at work, leading him from jazz clubs to the basement of Hitsville U.S.A., where he found his soulmates in the Funk Brothers.
Jack has received two Grammy Awards for his work with Motown. He also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as part of The Funk Brothers, Motown's in-house band
About The Funk Brothers
The Funk Brothers were the studio musicians who recorded on MoTown albums from 1959 until 1972 when Barry Gordy moved the Hitsville USA recording studio to Los Angeles.
Their recordings created the iconic sound of the early MoTown era and albums that still get playtime decades later. Some of the more popular songs they recorded are: “My Girl”, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, “Baby Love”, “I Was Made to Love Her”, and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”.
A combination of the original Funk Brothers have played on over 100 U.S. R&B number one singles and over 50 number one U.S. pop singles.