STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A.: A Tribute to the Legendary Stax Records
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Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating world of soul music with the highly anticipated HBO Original documentary series, STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. Produced and directed by filmmaker Jamila Wignot, this four-part series offers an intimate look at the iconic Stax Records, a trailblazing label that redefined the music industry and left an indelible mark on the world of soul.
Scheduled to debut on Monday, May 20, STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. has already garnered attention as an official selection of the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival and winner of the TV Premiere Audience Award. The series is a production of Laylow Pictures and White Horse Pictures in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, and Warner Music Entertainment, ensuring a high-quality and comprehensive exploration of Stax Records' rich history.
Set against the backdrop of the American South in the '50s, '60s, and '70s, STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. delves into the audacious story of Stax Records' rise to prominence. Founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, Stax Records began as a modest family-owned record store and studio in Memphis, Tennessee. However, it quickly evolved into a pioneering force in the music industry, breaking racial barriers and producing hits that defined an era.
Through a blend of restored archival performance footage and intimate interviews with key players in Stax Records' history, the series paints a vivid portrait of the label's unlikely origin story. From the groundbreaking sound of artists like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, and Sam & Dave to the legendary hits such as "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay," "Soul Man," "Green Onions," and the Oscar-winning "Theme from Shaft," STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. celebrates the enduring musical legacy of Stax Records.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Stax Records was its integrated approach to music production, with white and Black artists working together to create groundbreaking music that defied segregation and captured the spirit of the times. The series pays tribute to this spirit of collaboration and resilience, showcasing how Stax Records navigated through social turbulence, systemic inequity, and racial tensions to achieve stunning artistic and cultural success.
At the height of its success, Stax Records made history with the iconic Wattstax benefit concert in 1972, where over 100,000 African Americans gathered to celebrate music and unity in the wake of the Watts Rebellion. Despite facing repeated business setbacks and tragic losses, Stax Records remained a beacon of creativity and innovation before ultimately dissolving after fifteen pioneering years.
STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. is not just a documentary series; it's a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries, inspire change, and leave an enduring legacy. As audiences embark on this immersive journey through the history of Stax Records, they will gain a newfound appreciation for the remarkable individuals and timeless music that defined an era.