Seven music films with seven unique slants on mostly sixties' rock, pop, blues and soul. Each film offers a perspective less widely told in the mainstream media of the time. Recognition is belatedly given to Native American musicians, studio musicians, soul music festivals, and rebel DJs. Conversational interviews with storytellers David Crosby, and the Beatles' loyal secretary, round out the list. Released from 2009 to 2021, these films may enhance your memories of the music you enjoyed. Check out the movie trailers for each week, and even if you don't join this SDG, you might take a recommendation or two at your leisure. (Sorry, Elvis! Ran out of weeks!)
WEEK ONE: Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World, 2017 (1:42) Amazon Prime Video
Native American musicians help create the Blues and Rock and Roll. From Charlie Patton to Link Wray to Jimi Hendrix.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/8E1VVadxjRw
WEEK TWO: The Wrecking Crew, 2015 (1:41) Amazon Prime Video
A group of dedicated, uncredited studio musicians backs hit songs from Frank Sinatra and Herb Alpert, to The Beach Boys and The Monkees.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/SX5BCgmr7tg
WEEK THREE: What Happened, Miss Simone?, 2015 (1:42) Netflix
Critics call this a compelling—albeit necessarily incomplete—overview of its complex subject's singular artistic legacy and fascinating life.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/z7jIOawq8y8
WEEK FOUR: Summer of Soul 1969 (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), 2021 (1:57) Hulu
100 miles down the road from Woodstock, the Harlem Cultural Festival is going on…with Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, The Staple Singers, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Jesse Jackson, and more.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/slFiJpAxZyQ
WEEK FIVE: Pirate Radio, 2009 (1:57) Amazon Prime Video
Fact-based tale of a seafaring band of rogue rock and roll DJs versus the 1960s BBC. With Philip Seymour Hoffman and Bill Nighy.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/SDSuVAcYUhY
WEEK SIX: David Crosby: Remember My Name, 2018 (1:33) Amazon Prime Video
Before dawn of the day he died (January 18, 2023), Croz’s last tweets were about Greta Thunberg and Eleanor Rigby. He can tell a good story, and luckily, he can remember them.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/ln9dtQ8tuKk
WEEK SEVEN: Good ‘Ol Freda, 2013 (1:26) Amazon Prime Video
Put on a cuppa, sit down, and say goodbye to the Beatles with their most loyal fan, the calm eye of their wild hurricane.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/LqO3DIaKTXM
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World, 2017 Amazon Prime Video
The Wrecking Crew, 2015 Amazon Prime Video
What Happened, Miss Simone?, 2015 Netflix
Summer of Soul 1969 (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), 2021 Hulu
Pirate Radio, 2009 Amazon Prime Video
David Crosby: Remember My Name, 2018 Amazon Prime Video
Good ‘Ol Freda, 2013 Amazon Prime Video