Only the Strong Survive
(2002) Chris Hegedus and P.A. Pennebaker
Only the Strong Survive is the brainchild of Roger Friedman, an entertainment journalist and music fan of R & B and soul from the 1950s through the 70s. Friedman realized that there was no surviving footage of those musical greats, but since so many of the acts are still performing today he teamed up with documentary filmmakers Chris Hegedus and P.A. Pennebaker and set out to record the artists and their music for future generations. William Bell, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, The Chi Lites, Jerry Butler, and Carla Thomas are all featured performers, as well as Memphis R & B pioneer Rufus Thomas, who passed away before the documentary made its debut. While R & B and soul music has brought joy to many people, the musicians themselves have had a rough road to travel since their heydays passed. Drugs, lawsuits, and financial difficulties explain why for some of the greatest talents of the 50s through the 70s, only the strong survive. The current footage captured of the artists performing their music is priceless and now preserved for generations to come.