Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Secret Soul Train Origins of the Moon Walk: The documentary

 Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America - documentary

This doc is RIVETING!!

 This show started the same year I was born. I didn't watch it much growing up but enough to know about it.

Few television series were as innovative and influential to pop culture as “Soul Train.” Set first in Chicago, “Soul Train” launched on WCIU-TV with local radio and television personality, Don Cornelius on August 17, 1970. After moving the dance show to Los Angeles, “Soul Train” skyrocketed nationally and firmly secured its place in television by becoming the longest running, first-run syndicated series in history. To commemorate the show’s 40th anniversary, VH1 Rock Docs and Soul Train present “Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America,” a monumental 90-minute documentary celebrating the show’s impact on pop culture, music, dance and fashion. The film also features a rare interview with Don Cornelius in which he reveals exclusive details regarding the launch and early days of the legendary series.

From 1970—2006, “Soul Train” offered a window into African American music and culture, and its charismatic host, Don Cornelius, was the man responsible for a new era in African American expression. A trained journalist, Don created a media empire that provided an outlet for record labels and advertisers to reach a new generation of music fans. He was and still is one of the first African Americans to own his own show. As the epitome of cool, many of his expressions entered the popular American lexicon: “A groove that will make you move real smooth,” and “Wishing you Love, Peace, and Soul!”

The documentary includes memorable performances and moments from the show, as well as behind-the-scene stories from the people who lived the “Soul Train” movement, including the cast, crew, and dancers. In addition, popular musicians (Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Snoop Dogg, Aretha Franklin), Sly Stone’s first exclusive documentary interview in years, comics (Cedric “The Entertainer,” Nick Cannon), music industry executives (L.A. Reid, Clive Davis, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff) and actors of yesterday and today will comment on growing up with the show and will share their stories of how “Soul Train” affected their own lives.

“Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America” is a co-production of VH1 and Soul Train. J. Kevin Swain is the director/producer and Amy Goldberg is producer/co-director. Anthony Maddox, Peter Griffith and Kenard Gibbs are Executive Producers for Soul Train. , Brad Abramson, Lauren Lazin, Shelly Tatro and Jeff Olde are executive producers for VH1.

 The fact that Don Cornelius did not like Hip Hop - makes me feel better.

I was asked by a black coworker if I liked Hip Hop and I said: NO. Just like Don - I like Singing - it's right brain dominant. Frequency. As much as I like the syncopated rhythm - I like the frequency singing as blues and soul - with nonwestern tuning.

Also Don  Cornelius did NOT LIKE DISCO either!!

I didn't know he started out of the South Side of Chicago as a civil rights journalist.

It's a stunning documentary - how he relies on the South Side Chicago musicians to keep the show going.

And then when Motown moved to LA so did Soul Train.

I didn't know how the dancers for the show were chosen directly from local park centers!!

Amazing.

I definitely was wowed by the dancers on that show.


 

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