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If you’re a fan of The Memphis Sound, HBO‘s four part documentary Stax: Soulville USA is pretty much a must-see.
In the early 60s and 70s in Memphis, Stax Records appeared out of thin air and eventually became legendary, producing iconic soul music and bringing it to a white audience for the first time. Some of the best known acts of the era recorded there, including Otis Redding, Booker T and The MGs, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave, and The Staples Sisters.
The Stax organization also stood out for signing integrated bands when the South was still in the grip of widespread segregation – even their house band, Booker T and The MGs, which backed most of the other acts, was integrated. It was a rare oasis of tolerance and respect in decidely intolerant and disrespectful times.
Love, Dr. Scott James
