The Blues : The Road to Memphis (2003)

Genres - Music, Historical Film, Nature  |   Sub-Genres - Social History, Biography, Music History  |   Run Time - 120 min.  |   Countries - Spain  |  
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Synopsis by Andrea LeVasseur

Part of The Blues documentary film series on PBS, The Road to Memphis is directed by Richard Pearce. This installment explores the movement from the Mississippi Delta to Memphis, TN, during the early '50s. This generation of artists went from working in the cotton fields to playing on the radio and performing in clubs. The Memphis style is exemplified by the work of blues legend B.B. King, who has since become an American icon. The filmmakers follow the contemporary touring musician Bobby Rush, who enjoys a successful career outside of the mainstream recording industry. Includes archival footage by Rufus Thomas and Howlin' Wolf, along with original performances and interviews by Rosco Gordon and Ike Turner. The Road to Memphis was originally broadcast by PBS on September 30, 2003.

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Keywords

blues-music, legacy, musical-journey, roots [origins], tradition, African-American, music-appreciation, odyssey, retrospective, songs, musician