Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music
(2007) VH1 Classic
VH1 Classic has been showing an enjoyable documentary called Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music. The show chronicles the many facets of black popular music, including Motown, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Stax, Soul, Funk, in other words some of the best music ever recorded, music that provides both a celebration and a message about what is, both good and bad, and what could be.
Punctuated with performance clips and interviews centering around themes such as "Southern Soul" featuring Otis Redding and James Carr to "Ain't it Funky" featuring the most funky James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone. The documentary brings the story to today, as well, as many documentaries do not, with the show called "From Ghetto to Fabulous" that showcases Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, and Diddy.
There have been a number of documentaries lately showcasing this wonderful music and the talented, creative people who made it. It's about time that filmmakers and fans alike take the time to appreciate the music that influenced everything we listen to today. There is plenty enough out there about Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and other acts like them. There are fascinating stories behind black popular music, too, and it is good that we are finally learning about them.