Staying on top of all the new music documentaries is tough, given the vast amount that are released every year. I usually discover the really good ones by luck. More often than not, it's through suggestions from musician friends.
Here's a list of some that I've checked out lately and really think you should too:
"The Greatest Night in Pop" is the documentary to watch if you're into the song "We Are the World" or just curious about how such a big music project came together. It's all about that one night when a whole lot of incredible artists joined forces to record a song that ended up raising millions for charity.
The film, led by Lionel Richie, and directed by Bao Nguyen, it's not just a trip down memory lane but a fascinating look at what went on during that session. Unfortunately, they neglected to mention the musicians who played on the backing track. JR Robinson had a few things to say about that: Left out of "The Greatest Night In Pop" by JR Robinson
Whether you've loved the song for years or heard about it for the first time, this documentary shows the magic of that night and why it meant so much. There are some really intense moments, others that might bring tears to your eyes, and many more that will make you smile.
"I Am Everything" tells the story of Little Richard, one of rock 'n' roll's overlooked pioneers. Directed with care by Lisa Cortés, the documentary showcases Little Richard as more than just a musical icon. He's presented as someone who battled societal norms to remain true to himself.
This documentary goes beyond merely recounting history; it explores a fearless man revealing his musical genius and also showing him to be a pioneer of individual freedom.
It's interesting to note that in the late 1950s, the genre of 'rock and roll' was met with a severe backlash. Famous musicians like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis saw their careers affected by it. Despite the controversies, British musicians in the early 60s, who loved these American pioneers, repackaged their music, and reintroduced it back to Americans in their own way. The genre continued to prevail among the youth and nothing could halt its enduring impact on music and culture.
"Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes" weaves through Roach's remarkable journey, from his childhood devotion to drumming to his pivotal role in the bebop movement and beyond. He had a rich life of musical innovation and social activism.
The documentary pays tribute to Max Roach's legacy through interviews with prominent figures like Sonny Rollins and the late Greg Tate, as well as archival footage and musical performances. The film, directed by Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro, is a testament to Roach's enduring influence.
I only saw him play once in the 90s with his group M'Boom. During the performance, he mentioned that Tony Williams was in the audience. It was a rare opportunity to see two legends at SOB's simultaneously. If only I knew then what I know now about those two gentlemen.
"Roberta Flack - American Masters" on PBS is a documentary about singer Roberta Flack, who made history by winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in consecutive years. The documentary showcases her musical talent, commitment to civil rights, and struggles against racism and sexism in the music industry.
Sadly, Flack has been diagnosed with ALS, which has taken away her ability to sing. However, director Antonino D'Ambrosio has created a film that celebrates her remarkable career and features footage from her personal archives and interviews with influential figures such as Reverend Jesse Jackson, Clint Eastwood, and Angela Davis. It's definitely worth watching.
HBO's documentary, 'The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,' was directed by Frank Marshall. The film explores the journey of the Bee Gees, showcasing their talent to create catchy songs and how they constantly reinvented themselves amidst the ever-changing tides of pop fame.
The documentary also highlights the backlash against the disco era, which was one of the more intriguing parts of the movie. However, it also made me somewhat angry. They weren't trying to be a "disco" group; they just wanted to make great music—which they did.
The documentary showcases rare archival footage and provides insights from Barry Gibb, the surviving member of the Bee Gees.
If I’m missing some you’ve seen recently, let me and others know in the comments below: