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 May 18, 1934) is an American musician. He was a percussionist for Motown Records' famous in-house band, the Funk Brothers. This was during the 1960s and early 1970s. Jack Ashford is especially known for playing the tambourine on many, many Motown songs.
Meet Jack Ashford: The Percussion Master
Jack Ashford was a key part of the Motown sound. He played many different percussion instruments. These included the vibraphone, marimba, maracas, and even handclaps and foot stomps! He helped create the beat for hundreds of hit songs.
His most famous performance is on "War" by Edwin Starr. You can hear his amazing tambourine playing on that song.
Songs You Might Know
Jack Ashford's tambourine skills are on many classic songs. These include "Nowhere to Run" by Martha & the Vandellas. He also played on "You Can't Hurry Love" by the Supremes. Other hits include "Going to a Go-Go" by the Miracles. He also played on "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. And don't forget "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston.
Jack was also a talented vibraphone player. He was inspired by famous musicians like Milt Jackson and Lionel Hampton. You can hear his vibraphone on songs like the Miracles' "Ooo Baby Baby". He also played it on the Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go". Another great example is Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On".
Later Career and Legacy
In the 1960s and 1970s, Jack Ashford worked with singer and songwriter Lorraine Chandler. They started a company called Pied Piper Productions. They created music for Lorraine and other artists in Detroit.
Jack moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s. He continued to work in music production for a while. In 2014, he made a special appearance. He played on The Secret Sisters' album Put Your Needle Down.
Jack Ashford is a very important part of music history. With the passing of Joe Messina in April 2022, Jack Ashford is now the last living member of the original Funk Brothers band. He helped shape the sound of Motown.
