Reflecting on the past; a musical documentary
of the worlds best, put together to celebrate the soulful legends
of the 1960s and 1970s.
Hosted by Rufus Thomas and Jaye
Davis from their historic radio show in Memphis, Tennessee;
the two tell tales of long ago that shape who they are now. Both
laugh and reminisce about the good old days. How artists then knew
how to sing and “work” a song, each adding jokes and
sarcasm along the way.
Life wasn’t always so great for these artists. Hard times
have fallen amongst them. Sam Moore reminisced
about his days on Seventh Avenue in New York. Detailing how his
life went downhill when his career diminished. He explained how
he once ran the streets and how he sold drugs to earn money. “I
started working these streets selling drugs all up and down here.
Sold the same as Belushi, heroin and cocaine, this was my domain.”
– Sam Moore.
While Mary Wilson speaks of fighting
for her rights to sing the Supreme Songs and channeling her energy
into writing two successful books, which will soon be combined into
one sensational book explaining her trials and tribulations in the
industry, as a Supreme and life all-together. “I’m
currently attending NYU. I’m taking some writing courses so
that I can write my own books instead of hiring a writer,”-
Mary Wilson.
The film focused around the strength of these artists. And how
this strength has kept them going and believing in themselves and
their music. From the history of the infamous Stax Records
to the rivalry Royal Records artists;
the magic and the rich memories are bought to life in this fantastic
documentary and creating a long lasting effect on the viewer.
From the road trips of yesterday, the long standing ovations that
made the Chi-Lites quickly retreat backstage
for safety, singing in small smoked-filled rooms to those big black
shades adorned by Isaac Hayes, the audience
is in for a treat. These so called “forgotten”
artists of yesteryear will be forgotten no more. This documentary
is filled with light memories of sorrow and heavy performances.
Large crowds still gather to hear oldies but goodies followed by
great acts of yesterday that still maintain their greatness today,
proving that only the strong survive...truly.
"Either you is, or you ain't. That's the crux of the whole thing."
- Rufus Thomas, 1917-2001.
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