| Description |
1 online resource (115 minutes) |
| Summary |
This excellent program of almost two hours is, for those who are not familiar with this musical genre, a perfect introduction to the mysteries of the blues, to its evolution from the acoustic rural blues of the Deep South to the electrified Chicago Blues which took off after the Second World War. It is also particularly interesting for its film archives of the big names who illustrated the different stages of history until their acceptance by the general public. For example, it opens with a fabulous goosebump-inducing appearance by Bessie Smith that lasts several minutes and also features footage of performances by Billie Holiday, Mamie Smith, and Jimmy Rushing seducing a young girl at her window with his singing. And to put everything in perspective, the master of ceremonies does not fail to mention the names of Louis Armstrong, WC Handy, Jelly Roll Morton, but also Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Willie Dixon and Memphis Slim, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells in order to hammer home the notion that the blues "is the voice of Black America." And since it is impossible to say who is at the origin of the genre, he illustrates his point with Bukka White's formula: "the blues came from behind a mule's ass." This black pride is portrayed by a theatrical staging of a club show. Among the artists, the successful performances of BB King, the harsh singing of Linda Hopkins, the classy Joe Williams and his feverish duet with Esther Phillips are the highlights. Gerald Wiggins' musical direction and arrangements as well as the choruses of the excellent musicians of his orchestra are essential to the success of the project. Philippe Lesage |
| Notes |
Title from resource description page (viewed November 30, 2022) |
| Performer |
Linda Hopkins, BB King, Leata Galloway, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Gerald Wiggins, Vi Redd, Pee Wee Crayton, Ernie Andrews |
| Notes |
Sung in English |
| Subject |
Blues (Music)
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Blues (Music) -- History and criticism
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| Genre/Form |
Concert films.
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Blues (Music)
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| Form |
Streaming video
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| Author |
Walton, Kip, director
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Silvers, Herb, producer
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Turbow, Sandra, producer
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Skylark Savoy Productions, production company
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Qwest TV, publisher
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