The Blues is a 2003 documentary film series produced by Martin Scorsese, dedicated to the history of blues music. In each of the seven episodes, a different director explores a stage in the development of the blues.
The films in the series are motivated by a central theme: how the blues evolved from parochial folk tunes to a universal language.
Feel Like Going Home
DIRECTED BY
Martin Scorsese
A documentary about the blues and it's African origins.
The Soul of a Man
DIRECTED BY
Wim Wenders
Wim Wenders entry into this in depth series documenting the blues. This film follows the exploits of three legendary blues men Skip James, Blind Willie Johnson and J B Lenoir. Includes original recordings of songs along with performances from a variety of artists including Nick Cave. bonnie Raitt, The John Spencer Blues Explosion and many more.
The Road to Memphis
DIRECTED BY
Richard Pearce
Director Richard Pearce traces the musical odyssey of blues legend B.B. King in a film that pays tribute to the city that gave birth to a new style of blues.
Warming by the Devil's Fire
DIRECTED BY
Charles Burnett
Presents a tale about a young boy's encounter with his family in Mississippi in the 1950s, and intergenerational tensions between the heavenly strains of gospel and the devilish moans of the blues.
Godfathers and Sons
DIRECTED BY
Marc Levin
Travels to Chicago with hip-hop legend Chuck D (of Public Enemy) and Marshall Chess (son of Leonard Chess and heir to the Chess Records legacy) to explore the heyday of Chicago blues as they unite to produce an album that seeks to bring veteran blues players together with contemporary hip hop musicians. Along with never-before-seen archival footage of Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, are original performances by Koko Taylor, Otis Rush, Magic Slim, Ike Turner, and Sam Lay.
Red, White and Blues
DIRECTED BY
Mike Figgis
Documenting the blues explosion in 1960's England and it's influence and reinterpretation by musicians at the time.
Piano Blues
DIRECTED BY
Clint Eastwood
Explores his life-long passion for piano blues, using a treasure trove of rare historical footage in addition to interviews and performances by such living legends as Pinetop Perkins and Jay McShann, as well as Dave Brubeck and Marcia Ball.