Wattstax (1973)

Wattstax: Directed by Mel Stuart. With The Dramatics, The Staple Singers, Kim Weston, Jimmy Jones. Documentary covering a Stax Records-sponsored all-day concert at the 1972 Watts Summer Festival with performances by Stax Records artists such as Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, The Staples Singers, and more.

“I found this gem of a documentary on black culture in the early u0026#39;70u0026#39;s one night on cable in u0026#39;98 and was blown away. Having been born in 1972 and growing up in that era it warmed my heart to listen to people talk about what they loved about our culture and to be reminded of how we took care of ourselves and each other back in the day. That is something that is terribly lacking in all communities today. And the musical performances were nothing short of spectacular. Watching the Emotions rendition of u0026quot;Peace Be Stillu0026quot;, Iu0026#39;m not ashamed to say, brought tears to this big olu0026#39; Southern boyu0026#39;s eyes, I also enjoyed the late great Rufus Thomasu0026#39; renditions of u0026quot;Breakdownu0026quot; and u0026quot;Do the Funky Chickenu0026quot; and the singing of the black national anthem, u0026quot;Lift Every Voice and Singu0026quot; as they showed the audience filing into the stadium. I recorded it onto VHS the next time it came on and treasured it like the Hope Diamond, but a few months later the tape popped and I have never been able to find it anywhere else since. So I say to the producers of this great film, if you are reading this message, please do yourself and the rest of the world a favor and release this classic on VHS/DVD.”