Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.

Pretty good documentary story of a Good Record label with some great moments. It appears the director's Black Power agenda got in the way of telling the story of the music. It was great to hear about the rise of legends of Otis Redding , Booker T, and Isaac Hayes, but the band that made the first two magical was Al Jackson, Donald "Duck" Dunn and Steve Cropper. They were the musical souls of Stax Records. Steve Cropper is interviewed- they couldn't leave his contribution out - but Duck Dunn- who is present in ALL the original Stax films and photos , only has his name mentioned ONCE in the whole film. Al Jackson - available in very early photo, is barely naked. Their musical contributions-particularly Duck Dunn's-to every major Stax Record before Isaac Hayes, is ignored as if it didn't exist. This film is the Al Bell and some-woman-named-Parker show. The musicians who made Stax are greatly ignored in favor of propping him up. Disappointing.

I didn't know what to expect, because I wasn't at all familiar with the Stax history. All I knew were some legendary names like Otis, Booker T and Black Moses Isaac Hayes.

But what I gained was so much more than music.

It's a compelling, heartwarming story full of injustice, tragedy, vivid funny anecdotes, touching historical footage. Cultural rebellion with the spirit so strong, in times of systemic racism and massive oppression, shows how powerful a collective can be, no matter how discriminated against.

Wonderful and well rounded mini docu-series. Everyone should see this gem, it enriches your soul.

The title and subject caught my attention. Hearing the Staple Singers "I'll Take You There" hooked me. Though I had no prior knowledge of the details and Stax particularly, the sound was mostly familiar. Starting to watch, never could have imagined all the story encompassed. Learning how it was interwoven into our nation's tumultuous history, our racism. A good view into the good and bad of the music industry. Dreams, perseverance, tragedy and triumph. Against all odds.

The documentary deserves high praise for bringing together all of the aspects outside just the music and business. It gets it all right in my view and maintained a good pace. Highly recommended viewing.

STAX, Soulville USA tells.the story of a small record label in the racially divided Memphis of the early 1960's. The label was started by a white brother and sister, but they signed primarily the black talent from the area. A lot of great music was produced out of that little studio, with artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T and the MG's. They captured the grit and soul of Memphis and became a label that was then getting known nationally and internationally. Then came the late 60's, and racial tensions cane to a head with the killing of Martin Luther King, Jr. In Memphis. The label was already reeling from the death of their biggest star, Otis Redding in a plane crash. This documentary details how greed from larger record companies kept Stax from surviving. Well worth the watch.

Very good, comprehensive documentary about the legendary STAX records. The story is remarkable, stirring, tragic and poignant. The music is undeniable, the talent remarkable. Seeing, and hearing Otis, Hayes, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas at the height of their powers. The revelation of the European tour, where for the first time were treated as stars, as humans, as triumphant!

The tragedies, the mismanaged business relationships that lead to the demise of Stax is very well told, with an honest tone, but also with understandable anger, and regret.

Music and film qualities are excellent, and captures what really was great about Stax.