Stax: Soulsville USA

Name: Stax: Soulsville USA
Genre: Documentary
Rating: 8.8

The sound of Memphis electrified the world.

8.8

2024 – 20241 Seasons · 4 EpisodesEnded

Documentary

Overview

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

Network: HBO

Cast

Al Bell

Self - CMO / President of Stax

Carla Thomas

Self - Artist

Jim Stewart

Self - Founder of Stax

Deanie Parker

Self - Director of Publicity / Stax

Rob Bowman

Self - Historian

David Porter

Self - Musician

Episodes

Season 1

Episode 1 · 60m

Cause I Love You

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.

May 20, 2024

Episode 2 · 53m

Soul Man

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.

May 20, 2024

Episode 3 · 51m

Respect Yourself

Despite severe business setbacks, Stax Records rises again with Isaac Hayes's Oscar® and Grammy®-winning work for the 1971 smash hit Shaft.

May 21, 2024

Episode 4 · 62m

Nothing Takes the Place of You

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.

May 21, 2024