Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.
By Marty Brown, Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Moving docuseries puts great music in historical context.
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Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.
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What's the Story?
STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. takes an in-depth look at the rise and fall of the label that launched the careers of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, and others. The documentary tells the stories behind some of Stax's most beloved songs, as well as the development of the "Memphis Sound."
Is It Any Good?
In telling the story of a great record label, this docuseries also provides a view on the civil rights movement and the early 1970s through the lens of Memphis, Tennessee. The stories in Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. about classic songs and artists take on a deeper poignance when they're placed in historical context, and it's easy to see how they still influence American culture 60 years later.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Stax story intertwines with the story of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. What are some examples of music being a part of American history? Why do you think it can be so important?
How familiar were you with the Stax label or the artists featured before watching the documentary? Which songs do you know or like? Did you know any of the stories behind them?
How does the "Memphis Sound" compare to the sound of other music and labels of the era? What are some of the musical elements that made Stax records unique?
What were the good and bad business decisions that Stax made along the way? How did they affect the popularity of the music and the success of the label?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 20, 2024
- Network: Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Activism , History , Music and Sing-Along
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 10, 2024
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