Stax: Soulsville USA

The story of an underdog, interracial record label that ushered in groundbreaking music.

Documentary

The story of an underdog, interracial record label that ushered in groundbreaking music.

Documentary

Created By: Jamila Wignot
First Aired on: May 20, 2024
Popularity: 7.5075: 3 votes
Networks: (US)
Production: Concord Originals (US)HBO Documentary Films (US)White Horse Pictures (US)Laylow Pictures (US)Polygram Entertainment (US)Warner Music Entertainment (US)
Status: Ended: Show Ended

Total 1 seasons, 4 episodes

Aired 1 year ago

4 Episodes

Episode 1Cause I Love You60 min
In the late 1950s, Memphis' Stax Records quickly becomes one of the most influential record labels on the Black music scene, breaking out iconic artists such as Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MG's, and Otis Redding. As popularity grows in the Black market, Stax executives and musicians transcend racial divides and bring their music into the American mainstream.
Episode 2Soul Man53 min
Stax breaks through to the white market with Sam & Dave's crossover hit "Soul Man." But the untimely death of Stax star Otis Redding, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., legal obstacles, and ongoing racial tensions in Memphis reveal cracks in the company's façade.
Episode 3Respect Yourself51 min
Despite severe business setbacks, Stax Records rises again with Isaac Hayes's Oscar® and Grammy®-winning work for the 1971 smash hit Shaft.
Episode 4Nothing Takes the Place of You62 min
By the 1970s, a booming Stax expands to Los Angeles and gives back to the Black community with the benefit concert Wattstax. But when their bank goes under and the company faces other legal setbacks, Stax prepares to shutter its doors.