That Rhythm, Those Blues

Traces the experiences of Ruth Brown and Charles Brown in describing record companies' recruitment of black musicians for "race music," later called "rhythm and blues." Interviews both musicians about their rise to fame and interviews white spectators about their experiences at the segregated performances they attended. Discusses the relief that this music brought to the pressure of living in the Deep South during the time of segregation. Outlines the politics involved in record industry practices of recruiting black musicians, but then marketing white musicians who "covered" their original songs.

More in American Experience Series

  1. The Fabulous Country, Part 1 1972
  2. The Fabulous Country, Part 2 1972
  3. Strange And Terrible Times 1975
  4. That Rhythm, Those Blues 1988
  5. Midnight Ramble 1994
  6. The Battle Over Citizen Kane 1996

Related films

Sources

  1. 16mm Filmography (legacy record) — title, year, creator, length, format, color, description, catalog record