Wattstax
Encyclopedia
Wattstax is a 1973 documentary film
by Mel Stuart
that focused on the 1972 Wattstax music festival
and the African American
community of Watts
in Los Angeles, California
. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Documentary Film
in 1974. It was also screened at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival
, but was not entered into the main competition.
's Stax Records
to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Watts riots
. Wattstax was seen by some as "the Afro-American answer to Woodstock
". To enable as many members of the black community in L.A. to attend as possible, tickets were sold for only $1.00 each. The Reverend Jesse Jackson
gave the invocation, which included his "I Am - Somebody
" poem, which was recited in a call and response
with the assembled stadium crowd. In the film, interspersed between songs are interviews with Richard Pryor
, Ted Lange
and others who discuss the black experience in America.
. Mel Stuart was not entirely satisfied with the full concert footage and added the Pryor interludes between certain songs and live shots of urban life in the city. Stuart wanted someone to narrate between the scenes to create a transition in a comedic but meaningful way. Scenes of the concert venue being set up are accompanied by the song "Oh La De Da" by the Staple Singers, and another Staples tune, "We the People", backs scenes of the crowds entering the stadium.
The first song played in concert is the "Star-Spangled Banner" performed by Kim Weston
while the audience sits. Jesse Jackson then encourages the audience to raise their right fists in the air while he recites his poem "I Am Somebody". Kim Weston follows with a performance of the "Black National Anthem", "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing
". While she sings the audience becomes more invigorated, and people stand and continue to raise their fists in the air. The scene is inter-cut with images from African-American history. Jimmy Jones
sings "Somebody Bigger Than You and I".
A brief discussion about religion
is followed by a performance of "Lying on the Truth" by the Gospel
band The Rance Allen Group
, inter-cut with shots of churches around Watts. The song "Peace Be Still" is heard, and eventually seen, performed by The Emotions
in a local church. Next, the film briefly discusses Gospel music, and "Old-Time Religion" is performed by "The Stax Golden 13", composed of William Bell
, Louise McCord, Debra Manning, Eric Mercury, Freddy Robinson, Lee Sain, Ernie Hines, Little Sonny
, Eddie Floyd
, the Newcomers, the Temprees, and Frederick Knight
. After a brief interlude with Pryor, Melvin Van Peebles
introduces the Staple Singers
, who play "Respect Yourself
" in concert.
The Bar-Kays
follow another montage commentary on African-American identity. The Bar-Kays saxophonist, Harvey "Joe" Henderson speaks saying, "Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitude" (a phrase later made famous when it was sampled
by Public Enemy in "Show 'Em Whatcha Got"). The Bar-Kays then play "Son of Shaft
." A montage of conversations about unemployment and crime in Watts plays. Albert King
plays "I'll Play The Blues for You" which is quickly cut to another conversation with the people of Watts about blues music and depression
. An unusual piece of footage is shown of performance of "Walking the Backstreet and Crying" by Little Milton
, presented in the style of a music video
, with Milton lip-synching the song near a train station with a burning trash can next to it.
Rufus Thomas
talks about a character named "Jody" - someone who "is that fella, when you leave home at six o'clock, he's in that house at six-one." Followed by shots of various rich African Americans exiting their expensive cars and wearing flamboyant clothing, while the song "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone" by Johnnie Taylor
is being performed in a night club. Pryor performs a sketch discussing gambling
. A montage of couples in Watts is shown while a discussion about dating and romance is heard, with "I May Not Be What You Want" performed by Mel and Tim
in the background. The scene then changes to a performance of "Picking Up the Pieces" by Carla Thomas
. During this song, several red, black and white balloons are released in the stadium. More conversations about gender roles and romance in the African-American society follow.
In the next segment, Rufus Thomas performs "The Breakdown" and "Do the Funky Chicken." There is another interlude with Pryor, and then a cover
of "If Loving You is Wrong, I Don't Want to be Right" by soul singer Luther Ingram
. After the final interlude, Isaac Hayes
enters the stadium to a large audience reaction (the concert took place on his 30th birthday). Hayes' performance of "Rolling Down a Mountain" in the original version of the film was recorded on a sound stage at a later date because MGM refused to allow the film-makers to use Hayes' concert performances of "Theme from Shaft" and "Soulsville". These songs are restored on Region 1 DVD release of the film. The camera pans out at the end of the stadium showing several people during the interludes in the film while the speech "I Am Somebody" is being shouted again followed by "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" as the credits roll.
series P.O.V.
aired a new documentary about the concert and the movie. That same month, the movie was released on DVD by Warner Bros., which obtained the video rights when it purchased the Wolper library (Warner's former sister company, Warner Music Group
, coincidentally owns the rights to most pre-1968 Stax recordings).
French distribution: Mission Distribution
Documentary film
Documentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record...
by Mel Stuart
Mel Stuart
Mel Stuart is an American film director and producer.Stuart directed the fantasy-musical Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory...
that focused on the 1972 Wattstax music festival
Al Bell
Al Bell is an American record producer, songwriter, and record executive. Bell is best known as one of the key figures behind and a co-owner of Memphis, Tennessee-based Stax Records during the latter half of the label's nineteen-year existence...
and the African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
community of Watts
Watts, Los Angeles, California
Watts is a mostly residential neighborhood in South Los Angeles, California.-History:The area now known as Watts is located on the Rancho La Tajauta Mexican land grant...
in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Documentary Film
Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary Film
The Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary Film was only awarded between 1972 and 1977. In 1973 Elvis Presley's Elvis on Tour won this award. Prior to the award, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association awarded the film A Queen is Crowned a special award for "Best Documentary Film of Historical...
in 1974. It was also screened at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival
1973 Cannes Film Festival
The 26th Cannes Film Festival was held on May 10–25, 1973. At this festival two new non-competitive sections were added: 'Étude et documents' and 'Perspectives du Cinéma Français' ....
, but was not entered into the main competition.
The concert
The concert was held at the Los Angeles Coliseum on August 20, 1972, and organized by MemphisMemphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
's Stax Records
Stax Records
Stax Records is an American record label, originally based in Memphis, Tennessee.Founded in 1957 as Satellite Records, the name Stax Records was adopted in 1961. The label was a major factor in the creation of the Southern soul and Memphis soul music styles, also releasing gospel, funk, jazz, and...
to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Watts riots
Watts Riots
The Watts Riots or the Watts Rebellion was a civil disturbance in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California from August 11 to August 15, 1965. The 5-day riot resulted in 34 deaths, 1,032 injuries, and 3,438 arrests...
. Wattstax was seen by some as "the Afro-American answer to Woodstock
Woodstock Festival
Woodstock Music & Art Fair was a music festival, billed as "An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music". It was held at Max Yasgur's 600-acre dairy farm in the Catskills near the hamlet of White Lake in the town of Bethel, New York, from August 15 to August 18, 1969...
". To enable as many members of the black community in L.A. to attend as possible, tickets were sold for only $1.00 each. The Reverend Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson
Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. is an African-American civil rights activist and Baptist minister. He was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988 and served as shadow senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. He was the founder of both entities that merged to...
gave the invocation, which included his "I Am - Somebody
I Am - Somebody
"I Am – Somebody" is a poem written in the 1950s by Reverend William H. Borders, Sr., senior pastor at Wheat Street Baptist Church and civil rights activist in Atlanta, GA. It is recited often by Reverend Jesse Jackson...
" poem, which was recited in a call and response
Call and response
Call and response is a form of "spontaneous verbal and non-verbal interaction between speaker and listener in which all of the statements are punctuated by expressions from the listener."...
with the assembled stadium crowd. In the film, interspersed between songs are interviews with Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor
Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, social critic, writer and MC. Pryor was known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues, which employed colorful vulgarities, and profanity, as well as racial epithets...
, Ted Lange
Ted Lange
Theodore William "Ted" Lange is an American actor, director, and screenwriter best known for his role as the bartender, Isaac Washington, in the 1970s TV series The Love Boat...
and others who discuss the black experience in America.
Sequence
The film begins with an introduction by Pryor, followed by shots of urban life on the streets of Watts, accompanied by the song "What You See Is What You Get" by The DramaticsThe Dramatics
The Dramatics are an American soul music vocal group, formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1962. They are best known for their 1970s hit songs "In the Rain" and "Whatcha See is Whatcha Get", both of which were #1 R&B and Top 10 Pop hits.-Career:The Dramatics originally formed in 1962 recording as the...
. Mel Stuart was not entirely satisfied with the full concert footage and added the Pryor interludes between certain songs and live shots of urban life in the city. Stuart wanted someone to narrate between the scenes to create a transition in a comedic but meaningful way. Scenes of the concert venue being set up are accompanied by the song "Oh La De Da" by the Staple Singers, and another Staples tune, "We the People", backs scenes of the crowds entering the stadium.
The first song played in concert is the "Star-Spangled Banner" performed by Kim Weston
Kim Weston
Kim Weston is an American soul singer, and Motown alumna. In the 1960s, Weston scored hits with the songs "Love Me All the Way" and "Take Me in Your Arms ".-Career:...
while the audience sits. Jesse Jackson then encourages the audience to raise their right fists in the air while he recites his poem "I Am Somebody". Kim Weston follows with a performance of the "Black National Anthem", "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" — often called "The Negro National Hymn", "The Negro National Anthem", "The Black National Anthem", or "The African-American National Anthem"— is a song written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson in...
". While she sings the audience becomes more invigorated, and people stand and continue to raise their fists in the air. The scene is inter-cut with images from African-American history. Jimmy Jones
Jimmy Jones (singer)
Jimmy Jones is an African American singer-songwriter, who moved to New York while a teenager. According to Allmusic journalist, Steve Huey, "best known for his 1960 R&B smash, "Handy Man," Jones sang in a smooth yet soulful falsetto modeled on the likes of Clyde McPhatter and Sam...
sings "Somebody Bigger Than You and I".
A brief discussion about religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
is followed by a performance of "Lying on the Truth" by the Gospel
Gospel music
Gospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....
band The Rance Allen Group
The Rance Allen Group
The Rance Allen Group is a gospel music group formed in Monroe, Michigan, and based in Toledo, Ohio. The group's incorporation of rock and soul into traditional gospel music prefigures the crossover success of such artists as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and The Winans.The Rance Allen Group was formed...
, inter-cut with shots of churches around Watts. The song "Peace Be Still" is heard, and eventually seen, performed by The Emotions
The Emotions
The Emotions are an American all female soul and R&B singing group. The group was formed in its current hometown of Chicago, Illinois originally consisting of the three Hutchinson sisters, all the children of Joseph and Lillian Hutchinson....
in a local church. Next, the film briefly discusses Gospel music, and "Old-Time Religion" is performed by "The Stax Golden 13", composed of William Bell
William Bell
-Musicians:* William Bell * William Bell * William Henry Bell , composer -Politicians:* Dr. William Bell , founder of Manitou Springs, Colorado...
, Louise McCord, Debra Manning, Eric Mercury, Freddy Robinson, Lee Sain, Ernie Hines, Little Sonny
Little Sonny
Little Sonny is an American electric blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. His early mentor and inspiration was Sonny Boy Williamson II. Nevertheless, Little Sonny stated that his nickname originated with his mother...
, Eddie Floyd
Eddie Floyd
Eddie Lee Floyd is an American soul/R&B singer and songwriter, best known for his work on the Stax record label in the 1960s and 1970s and the song "Knock on Wood".-Biography:...
, the Newcomers, the Temprees, and Frederick Knight
Frederick Knight
Frederick Winn Knight was an English Conservative politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1841 to 1885.Knight was the son of John Knight and Hon. Jane Elizabeth Winn, daughter of George Winn, 1st Baron Headley...
. After a brief interlude with Pryor, Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin "Block" Van Peebles is an American actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer.He is most famous for creating the acclaimed film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which heralded a new era of African American focused films...
introduces the Staple Singers
The Staple Singers
The Staple Singers were an American gospel, soul, and R&B singing group. Roebuck "Pops" Staples , the patriarch of the family, formed the group with his children Cleotha , Pervis , Yvonne , and Mavis...
, who play "Respect Yourself
Respect Yourself
"Respect Yourself" is the name of a classic soul song by American R&B/gospel group The Staple Singers. Released in late 1971 from their album Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, the song became a crossover hit. It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and reached #2 on the Hot Soul...
" in concert.
The Bar-Kays
Bar-Kays
The Bar-Kays are a popular soul, R&B, and funk group who began performing in 1966 and continue to perform today, although with only one original member. The group had dozens of charting singles from the 1960s to the 1980s, including "Soul Finger" The Bar-Kays are a popular soul, R&B, and funk group...
follow another montage commentary on African-American identity. The Bar-Kays saxophonist, Harvey "Joe" Henderson speaks saying, "Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitude" (a phrase later made famous when it was sampled
Sampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
by Public Enemy in "Show 'Em Whatcha Got"). The Bar-Kays then play "Son of Shaft
Shaft (1971 film)
Shaft is a 1971 American blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. An action film with elements of film noir, Shaft tells the story of a black private detective, John Shaft, who travels through Harlem and to the Italian mob neighborhoods in order to find the...
." A montage of conversations about unemployment and crime in Watts plays. Albert King
Albert King
Albert King was an American blues guitarist and singer, and a major influence in the world of blues guitar playing.-Career:...
plays "I'll Play The Blues for You" which is quickly cut to another conversation with the people of Watts about blues music and depression
Clinical depression
Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities...
. An unusual piece of footage is shown of performance of "Walking the Backstreet and Crying" by Little Milton
Little Milton
James Milton Campbell, Jr. , better known as Little Milton, was an American electric blues, rhythm and blues, and soul singer and guitarist, best known for his hit records "Grits Ain't Groceries" and "We're Gonna Make It."-Biography:Milton was born James Milton Campbell, Jr., in the Mississippi...
, presented in the style of a music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
, with Milton lip-synching the song near a train station with a burning trash can next to it.
Rufus Thomas
Rufus Thomas
Rufus Thomas, Jr. was an American rhythm and blues, funk and soul singer and comedian fromMemphis, Tennessee, who recorded on Sun Records in the...
talks about a character named "Jody" - someone who "is that fella, when you leave home at six o'clock, he's in that house at six-one." Followed by shots of various rich African Americans exiting their expensive cars and wearing flamboyant clothing, while the song "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone" by Johnnie Taylor
Johnnie Taylor
Johnnie Harrison Taylor was an American vocalist in a wide variety of genres, from rhythm and blues, soul, blues and gospel to pop, doo-wop and disco.-Early years:...
is being performed in a night club. Pryor performs a sketch discussing gambling
Gambling
Gambling is the wagering of money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods...
. A montage of couples in Watts is shown while a discussion about dating and romance is heard, with "I May Not Be What You Want" performed by Mel and Tim
Mel and Tim
Mel and Tim were an American soul music duo active in the 1960s and early 1970s, and best known for the hit, "Backfield in Motion" . They are also well known for: "Hope, Life's Goal" and "Starting All Over Again" .-Career:...
in the background. The scene then changes to a performance of "Picking Up the Pieces" by Carla Thomas
Carla Thomas
Carla Thomas is an American singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas.-Childhood:...
. During this song, several red, black and white balloons are released in the stadium. More conversations about gender roles and romance in the African-American society follow.
In the next segment, Rufus Thomas performs "The Breakdown" and "Do the Funky Chicken." There is another interlude with Pryor, and then a cover
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of "If Loving You is Wrong, I Don't Want to be Right" by soul singer Luther Ingram
Luther Ingram
Luther Ingram was an American R&B and soul singer and songwriter.-Career:Born Luther Thomas Ingram in Jackson, Tennessee, his early interest in music led to him making his first record in 1965 at the age of 28. His first three recordings failed to chart but that changed when he signed for KoKo...
. After the final interlude, Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
enters the stadium to a large audience reaction (the concert took place on his 30th birthday). Hayes' performance of "Rolling Down a Mountain" in the original version of the film was recorded on a sound stage at a later date because MGM refused to allow the film-makers to use Hayes' concert performances of "Theme from Shaft" and "Soulsville". These songs are restored on Region 1 DVD release of the film. The camera pans out at the end of the stadium showing several people during the interludes in the film while the speech "I Am Somebody" is being shouted again followed by "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" as the credits roll.
Later developments
In January of 2004, a restored version of the film played at the Sundance Film Festival, followed by a theatrical reissue in June by Sony Pictures Repertory. In September 2004, the PBSPublic Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
series P.O.V.
P.O.V.
POV is a Public Broadcasting Service Public television series which features independent nonfiction films. POV is a cinema term for "point of view"....
aired a new documentary about the concert and the movie. That same month, the movie was released on DVD by Warner Bros., which obtained the video rights when it purchased the Wolper library (Warner's former sister company, Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies...
, coincidentally owns the rights to most pre-1968 Stax recordings).
French distribution: Mission Distribution
Songs in the film
In order of appearance:- "What You See Is What You Get", performed by The DramaticsThe DramaticsThe Dramatics are an American soul music vocal group, formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1962. They are best known for their 1970s hit songs "In the Rain" and "Whatcha See is Whatcha Get", both of which were #1 R&B and Top 10 Pop hits.-Career:The Dramatics originally formed in 1962 recording as the...
- "Oh La De Da", performed by the Staple Singers
- "We the People", performed by the Staple Singers
- "Star-Spangled Banner", performed by Kim WestonKim WestonKim Weston is an American soul singer, and Motown alumna. In the 1960s, Weston scored hits with the songs "Love Me All the Way" and "Take Me in Your Arms ".-Career:...
- "Lift Ev'ry Voice and SingLift Ev'ry Voice and Sing"Lift Every Voice and Sing" — often called "The Negro National Hymn", "The Negro National Anthem", "The Black National Anthem", or "The African-American National Anthem"— is a song written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson in...
", performed by Kim Weston - "Respect YourselfRespect Yourself"Respect Yourself" is the name of a classic soul song by American R&B/gospel group The Staple Singers. Released in late 1971 from their album Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, the song became a crossover hit. It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and reached #2 on the Hot Soul...
", performed by the Staple Singers - "Someone Greater Than I", performed by Jimmy JonesJimmy JonesJimmy Jones may refer to:*Jimmy Jones , American jazz pianist*Jimmy Jones , American singer/songwriter*Jimmy Jones , footballer who played for Stoke...
- "Lying on the Truth", performed by the Rance Allen Group
- "Peace Be Still", performed by The EmotionsThe EmotionsThe Emotions are an American all female soul and R&B singing group. The group was formed in its current hometown of Chicago, Illinois originally consisting of the three Hutchinson sisters, all the children of Joseph and Lillian Hutchinson....
- "Old-Time Religion", performed by William BellWilliam Bell-Musicians:* William Bell * William Bell * William Henry Bell , composer -Politicians:* Dr. William Bell , founder of Manitou Springs, Colorado...
, Louise McCord, Debra Manning, Eric Mercury, Freddy Robinson, Lee Sain, Ernie Hines, Little SonnyLittle SonnyLittle Sonny is an American electric blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. His early mentor and inspiration was Sonny Boy Williamson II. Nevertheless, Little Sonny stated that his nickname originated with his mother...
, the Newcomers, Eddie FloydEddie FloydEddie Lee Floyd is an American soul/R&B singer and songwriter, best known for his work on the Stax record label in the 1960s and 1970s and the song "Knock on Wood".-Biography:...
, the Temprees, Frederick Knight - "Son of Shaft/Feel It", performed by The Bar-KaysBar-KaysThe Bar-Kays are a popular soul, R&B, and funk group who began performing in 1966 and continue to perform today, although with only one original member. The group had dozens of charting singles from the 1960s to the 1980s, including "Soul Finger" The Bar-Kays are a popular soul, R&B, and funk group...
- "I'll Play The Blues For You", performed by Albert KingAlbert KingAlbert King was an American blues guitarist and singer, and a major influence in the world of blues guitar playing.-Career:...
- "Walking the Back Streets and Crying", performed by Little MiltonLittle MiltonJames Milton Campbell, Jr. , better known as Little Milton, was an American electric blues, rhythm and blues, and soul singer and guitarist, best known for his hit records "Grits Ain't Groceries" and "We're Gonna Make It."-Biography:Milton was born James Milton Campbell, Jr., in the Mississippi...
- "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone", performed by Johnnie TaylorJohnnie TaylorJohnnie Harrison Taylor was an American vocalist in a wide variety of genres, from rhythm and blues, soul, blues and gospel to pop, doo-wop and disco.-Early years:...
- "I May Not Be What You Want", performed by Mel and TimMel and TimMel and Tim were an American soul music duo active in the 1960s and early 1970s, and best known for the hit, "Backfield in Motion" . They are also well known for: "Hope, Life's Goal" and "Starting All Over Again" .-Career:...
- "Pick Up the Pieces", performed by Carla ThomasCarla ThomasCarla Thomas is an American singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas.-Childhood:...
- "Do the Funky Chicken", performed by Rufus ThomasRufus ThomasRufus Thomas, Jr. was an American rhythm and blues, funk and soul singer and comedian fromMemphis, Tennessee, who recorded on Sun Records in the...
- "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want to be Right", performed by Luther IngramLuther IngramLuther Ingram was an American R&B and soul singer and songwriter.-Career:Born Luther Thomas Ingram in Jackson, Tennessee, his early interest in music led to him making his first record in 1965 at the age of 28. His first three recordings failed to chart but that changed when he signed for KoKo...
- "Theme from ShaftTheme from Shaft"Theme from Shaft", written and recorded by Isaac Hayes in 1971, is the soul and funk-styled theme song to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, Shaft...
", performed by Isaac HayesIsaac HayesIsaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
- "Soulsville", performed by Isaac Hayes
Other songs in the concert
- "Knock on WoodKnock on Wood (song)"Knock on Wood" is a hit 1966 song written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper and originally performed by Eddie Floyd. The Eddie Floyd version peaked at number twenty-eight on the Hot 100, and spent one week at number one on the soul singles....
", performed by Eddie FloydEddie FloydEddie Lee Floyd is an American soul/R&B singer and songwriter, best known for his work on the Stax record label in the 1960s and 1970s and the song "Knock on Wood".-Biography:... - "Lay Your Loving On Me", performed by Eddie Floyd
- "I Can't Turn You Loose", performed by the Bar-KaysBar-KaysThe Bar-Kays are a popular soul, R&B, and funk group who began performing in 1966 and continue to perform today, although with only one original member. The group had dozens of charting singles from the 1960s to the 1980s, including "Soul Finger" The Bar-Kays are a popular soul, R&B, and funk group...
- "Killing Floor", performed by Albert KingAlbert KingAlbert King was an American blues guitarist and singer, and a major influence in the world of blues guitar playing.-Career:...
- "Angel of Mercy", performed by Albert KingAlbert KingAlbert King was an American blues guitarist and singer, and a major influence in the world of blues guitar playing.-Career:...
- "Gee Whiz", performed by Carla ThomasCarla ThomasCarla Thomas is an American singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas.-Childhood:...
- "I Have A God Who Loves", performed by Carla Thomas
- "I Don't Know What This World Is Coming To", performed by The Soul ChildrenThe Soul ChildrenThe Soul Children was an American vocal group who recorded soul music for Stax Records in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They had three top ten hits on the Billboard R&B chart – "The Sweeter He Is" , "Hearsay" , and "I'll Be The Other Woman" – all of which crossed over to the Hot...
- "Hearsay", performed by The Soul Children
- "Ain't No SunshineAin't No Sunshine"Ain't No Sunshine" is a song by Bill Withers from his 1971 album Just as I Am, produced by Booker T. Jones. The record featured musicians Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass guitar and Al Jackson, Jr. on drums, as well as Withers on lead vocals and guitar. The song was released as a single in September...
", performed by Isaac HayesIsaac HayesIsaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
Production credits
- Directed by: Mel StuartMel StuartMel Stuart is an American film director and producer.Stuart directed the fantasy-musical Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory...
- Produced by: Larry ShawLarry ShawLarry Shaw may refer to:*Larry Shaw , North Carolina State Senator*Larry Shaw , American film and television director*Larry Shaw , science fiction writer*Larry Shaw , founder of Pi Day...
, Mel StuartMel StuartMel Stuart is an American film director and producer.Stuart directed the fantasy-musical Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory... - Executive Producers: Al BellAl BellAl Bell is an American record producer, songwriter, and record executive. Bell is best known as one of the key figures behind and a co-owner of Memphis, Tennessee-based Stax Records during the latter half of the label's nineteen-year existence...
, David L. WolperDavid L. WolperDavid Lloyd Wolper was an American television and film producer, responsible for shows such as Roots, The Thorn Birds, North & South, L.A. Confidential, and the film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory... - Associate Producer: Forest Hamilton, Hnic.
- Consultants: Rev. Jesse JacksonJesse JacksonJesse Louis Jackson, Sr. is an African-American civil rights activist and Baptist minister. He was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988 and served as shadow senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. He was the founder of both entities that merged to...
, Tommy Jacquette, Mafundi Institute, Rev. Jesse Boyd, Teddy Stewart, Richard Thomas, John W. Smith, Sylvester Williams, Carol Hall - Cinematography: Roderick Young, Robert Marks, Jose Mignone, Larry Clark
- Edited by: Robert K. Lambert, David Newhouse, David Blewitt
- Assistant Director: Charles Washburn
- Concert Unit Director; Sid McCoy
- Production Coordinator: David Oyster
- Music Supervisor: Terry ManningTerry ManningTerry Manning is a music producer, songwriter, photographer and recording engineer known for work in rock, rhythm and blues, and pop music genres....
- Music Recording: Wally HeiderWally HeiderWally Heider was an American recording engineer and recording studio owner - History :After a distinguished career as an engineer in the 1940s and 1950s, he was instrumental in recording the San Francisco Sound in the late 60s and early 70s...
, Inc. - Post Production Supervisor: Philly Wylly
- Concert Artist Staging: Melvin Van PeeblesMelvin Van PeeblesMelvin "Block" Van Peebles is an American actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer.He is most famous for creating the acclaimed film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which heralded a new era of African American focused films...
- Music Conductor: Dale WarrenDale WarrenDale Ossman Warren was an American musician, who was best known for his work as an arranger for Motown Records in the early 1960s, and later for the Stax label where he worked with Isaac Hayes among many others...
- Lighting: Acey Dcey
- Production Staff: Jim StewartJim StewartJim Stewart may refer to:*Jim Stewart , former Welsh cricketer who played for Warwickshire*Jim Stewart , association football goalkeeper...
, Johnny Baylor, Gary Holmes/Mind Benders, Humanities International, Edward Windsor Wright
External links
- Wattstax.com
- P.O.V. Wattstax companion Web site (featuring streaming audio of performances and a podcast interview with director Mel Stuart)
- MP3 audio interview with Stax Records expert Rob Bowman on the radio program The Sound of Young AmericaThe Sound of Young AmericaThe Sound of Young America is a public radio program and podcast based in Los Angeles, California and distributed by Public Radio International...
regarding Wattstax - MSNBC Article
- National Review article