The Best Folk Music Documentaries You Need to See
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If you’re a fan of folk music, then you need to check out these amazing documentaries. From the history of the genre to modern day performers, these films will give you a new appreciation for folk music.
The Best Folk Music Documentaries
The best folk music documentaries offer a wide-ranging look at the genre, from its history and traditions to the people who keep it alive today. These films celebrate the music and the people who create it, and they offer a window into the cultures and communities that folk music comes from. Whether you’re a fan of folk music or just curious about the genre, these documentaries are a great place to start.
The Ballad of Shirley Collins
The Ballad of Shirley Collins is a 2016 documentary film directed by Rob Curry and Tim Plester about the English folk singer Shirley Collins and her return to music after a 35-year absence. The film had its world premiere at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in 2016.
Shirley Collins is one of the most influential figures in British folk music, having recorded over 20 albums of traditional songs and ballads. In the early 1970s, she suffered a nervous breakdown and retreated from the music scene. The Ballad of Shirley Collins chronicles her return to music, following her collaboration with Dom La Nena on the album ‘Nostalgia’.
The film features interviews with Shirley Collins, Dom La Nena, Martin Carthy, Simon Emmerson, Norma Waterson, Lisa Knapp, Eliza Carthy, Teddy Thompson, Tony Boggs and Joe Boyd.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston
The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a 2005 documentary film directed by Jeff Feuerzeig about the life of singer-songwriter and visual artist Daniel Johnston. Johnston was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early twenties and experienced several psychotic episodes throughout his life. Despite his challenges, Johnston achieved cult status with his unique and highly influential songwriting. The film includes interviews with Johnston’s family, friends, and fellow musicians, as well as archival footage and audio recordings.
Folk
Folk music documentaries are having a moment. With the release of films like “Waiting for Hassana” and “Mavis!” in the last few years, there has been a renewed interest in American folk music and its history. These films tell stories of the genre’s biggest names and provide a window into the lives of the people who created the music.
Whether you’re a folk music fan or just a documentarian at heart, these are the best folk music documentaries you need to see.
“Waiting for Hassana”
This documentary tells the story of three Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014. The film follows their families as they wait for news of their daughters, while also chronicling the girls’ experiences in captivity. “Waiting for Hassana” is a powerful portrayal of strength in the face of adversity, and an important reminder of the human cost of conflict.
“Mavis!”
This film tells the story of legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples, from her early days singing with her family band The Staple Singers to her solo career and activism in recent years. Featuring interviews with Staples herself as well as fellow musicians like Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt, “Mavis!” is a revealing portrait of an artist who has spent her life using her voice to speak out against injustice.
“The Dickies: Punk Rock Pioneers”
This documentary tells the story of one of punk rock’s most influential bands, The Dickies. Formed in 1977, The Dickies were one of the first punk bands to achieve mainstream success, thanks to their catchy songs and distinctive image. “The Dickies: Punk Rock Pioneers” features interviews with band members past and present, as well as rare footage of The Dickies in action.
Muscle Shoals
Few places in the United States have had as much of an impact on music as Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This small town in the heart of the Deep South has been responsible for some of the most iconic and influential songs of the last 50 years, from Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”
The documentary Muscle Shoals takes a deep dive into the history of this musical hotbed, exploring how a group of dedicated musicians came together to create some of the most timeless and beloved songs of all time. Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in music, including Bono, Mick Jagger, and Steve Winwood, Muscle Shoals is a must-see for any fan of classic rock and soul.
The Best Folk Music Documentaries You Need to See
Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s still as popular as ever. If you’re a fan of folk music, you’ll want to check out these documentaries. They feature some of the most famous folk musicians from around the world, and they’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at the music and the culture.
The Ballad of Shirley Collins
The Ballad of Shirley Collins is a 2016 British documentary film directed by James Kent. The film tells the story of how English folk singer Shirley Collins became one of the most influential figures in the British folk music scene, and chronicles her battle with early-onset dementia.
The film was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary at the 70th British Academy Film Awards, and won the Best Music Documentary award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston
The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a 2005 documentary film about the life and mental illness of singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston. The film was directed by Jeff Feuerzeig and produced by Henry S. Rosenthal. It premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and won the Documentary Grand Jury Prize.
Folk
Whether you’re a fan of folk music or not, there’s no denying that it has shaped the sound of popular music over the last few decades. From Bob Dylan to The Beatles, many of the most influential musicians in history have been influenced by folk music.
If you’re interested in learning more about this genre, then you should check out some of the best folk music documentaries available. These films offer an in-depth look at the history of folk music and its impact on popular culture.
Some of the best folk music documentaries include:
– “TheTitle:The Best Folk Music Documentaries You Need to See – (The Best Folk Music Documentaries You Need to See)”
– “Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey”
– “No Direction Home: Bob Dylan”
– “Folk America”
Each of these documentaries provides a unique perspective on the folk music genre and its importance in shaping popular music. If you’re a fan of any type of music, then you should definitely check out one or more of these films.
Muscle Shoals
If you want to know the legacy of American music, look no further than Muscle Shoals. This 2013 documentary tells the story of a group of session musicians in Muscle Shoals, Alabama who helped create some of the most iconic songs in rock and roll history.
The film features interviews with some of the biggest names in music, including Bono, Gregg Allman, Percy Sledge, and Steve Winwood. It’s a must-see for any fan of classic rock and roll.
