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Looking back on
the past; these artists, today, perform
for packed crowds in smoked-filled rooms
and large sell out concerts, to
celebrate their soulful music of the
1960s and 1970s, captured in one huge
documentary.
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.
Sometimes using their own life
experiences as examples of trials and
tribulations: “Like when I won the
lottery. Told my wife I won. She said
you won. I said 2.5. Got it right here
in my hand. I said pack your clothes.
She said you want me to pack my summer
clothes or my winter clothes. I said
pack ALL your clothes. Pack everything
you got. Cause I want you OUT that house
when I come home. You gotta say things
that you mean.” – Jaye Davis.
Life wasn’t always so great for these
artists. Hard times have fallen amongst
them. Sam Moore of the famous singing
duo Sam and Dave, drove down Seventh
Avenue in New York City. 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. He was kicked out of one
hotel after another. “I used to live in
a hotel right around the corner from
here, during my drug days, about 73’.
People eventually found out. I mean you
don’t try to hide after that.”- 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 that
details her experiences in the industry,
as a Supreme and life all-together. “I
am a well kept secret. If I have
anything to do with that it won’t be for
long.” – 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 share
the magic and the rich memories that 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 night clubs 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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