One of, possibly the best of, the 27s.
Easter preparations upon us. Fourteen people invading the manse Sunday. Vacuuming, dusting, cooking, and lawn maintenance to be done. Time only to reinforce something I said in the comments.
The story of Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, is available in 15 minute chunks on Youtube. You absolutely must watch all of it. I’ve linked Part One, but it adds up to about two hours in total. Whatever part you’re watching, the next should be queued up at the top of the Youtube list on the right.
What’s been missing from most of the sixties and seventies lists is black music, which was enormously influential. As I’ve said, Motown deserves a nod, but the Stax story is even more important. It’s about hope, cooperation, family, love, the times, heartbreak, hatred, despair, and rebirth. No more American story exists. The best and the worst of us. Take the time to watch. It’s Easter weekend. And today is Good Friday. Memphis had its own Passion. And it changed everything.
I know and love the music. I just did not know the back-story of so many of those wonderful songs. I always thought “Respect Yourself” was a great song for people no matter the color or ethnic group membership claim.
I saw a few black groups doing shopping center street dances in my high school years. They were always successful music lessons and experiences for the local youth.