Jack Ashford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Ashford
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Ashford in 2013
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 18, 1934 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1960s–1980s |
Jack Ashford, born on May 18, 1934, is a talented American musician. He was a percussionist for Motown Records' famous band, The Funk Brothers. This was during the 1960s and early 1970s. Jack Ashford is especially known for playing the tambourine. He played it on hundreds of Motown songs!
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The Life of a Motown Musician
Jack Ashford played many different instruments. He was a master of percussion. This includes the tambourine, vibraphone, and marimba. He also played maracas, cabasa, and various bells. Sometimes he even used handclaps and foot stomps!
Famous Songs and Sounds
Jack Ashford's tambourine playing is very famous. You can hear his amazing work on "War" by Edwin Starr. He also played on "Nowhere to Run" by Martha & the Vandellas. Other hits include "You Can't Hurry Love" by the Supremes. He also played on "Going to a Go-Go" by the Miracles. You can hear him on "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. And don't forget "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston.
Jack Ashford was also great at playing the vibraphone. He was inspired by musicians like Milt Jackson. He played vibes on songs like "Ooo Baby Baby" by the Miracles. He also played on "Where Did Our Love Go" by the Supremes. And he contributed to Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On".
Working Behind the Scenes
In the 1960s and 1970s, Jack Ashford worked with singer and songwriter Lorraine Chandler. They started a company called Pied Piper Productions. They worked together on Lorraine's own music. They also helped other musicians in Detroit.
In the mid-1970s, Jack Ashford moved to Los Angeles. He continued to work in music production in the early 1980s. Later, in 2014, he made a special appearance. He played on the second album by The Secret Sisters. The album was called Put Your Needle Down.
The Last Funk Brother
As of April 2022, Joe Messina passed away. This means Jack Ashford is the last living member of the original Funk Brothers band. He is a true legend of Motown music!
Other Music Projects
Jack Ashford also worked on other albums. He played percussion for The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
- Kickin' - ABC Records, 1975 - (percussion)
- Live and Direct - ABC Records, 1977 - (percussion)
