B.B. King
11 titles
Filmography
11 results

B.B. King: The Life of Riley
(2012)The untold story of an orphan boy from the heart of the Mississippi Delta who rose to global music stardom and inspired a generation of fans.

The Blues Under the Skin
(1973)In the early 1970s, music documentarian Robert Manthoulis traveled to the Mississippi Delta to capture the remnants of the authentic American blues. Virtually unseen in the U.S., "The Blues Under the Skin" is a thrilling rediscovery, an untapped treasury of musical performances that not only captures a vanishing musical form, but offers a priceless glimpse of 1970s Black life in the rural South.

Soul Power
(2009)In 1974, the most celebrated American R&B acts of the time came together with the most renowned musical groups in Southern Africa for a 12-hour, three-night long concert held in Kinshasa, Zaire. The pipe dream of musician Hugh Masekela and producer Stewart Levine, this music festival became a reality when they convinced boxing promoter Don King to combine the event with "The Rumble in the Jungle", the epic fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, previously chronicled in the Academy Award-winning documentary "When We Were Kings". "Soul Power" is a verite documentary, entirely composed of footage shot in 1974 at the legendary music festival (dubbed "Zaire '74"). It shows the experiences and performances of such musical luminaries as James Brown, B.B. King, Bill Withers, Celia Cruz, Miriam Makeba, among a host of others. At the peak of their talents and the height of their careers, these artists were inspired by this return to their African roots, as well as the enthusiasm of the Zairian audience, to give the performances of their lives. The concert has achieved mythological significance as the definitive Africa(n)-American musical event of the 20th Century. "Soul Power" has been crafted from the extensive footage which remained after the making of "When We Were Kings", which famously documented the epic title fight, but only briefly touched upon the Zaire '74 music festival. This footage has remained vaulted for the past 35 years, unused, unseen, until now. Lensed primarily by celebrated cinematographers Albert Maysles (GIMME SHELTER, GREY GARDENS), Paul Goldsmith (RUST NEVER SLEEPS), Kevin Keating (HARLAN COUNTY USA), and Roderick Young (WATTSTAX), "Soul Power" finally provides today's audience the opportunity to experience this historic musical event in all of its magnificent, filmed glory, restored in HD and with incredible sound quality. An unbridled musical journey for the ages.

When We Were Kings
(1996)On October 30, 1974, perhaps the most famous heavyweight championship boxing match of all time took place in Kinshasa, Zaire: the "Rumble in the Jungle" between champion George Foreman and challenger Muhammad Ali.

Born In Chicago
(2013)In 1960, a group of Chicago musicians traveled to the city's southside music clubs to learn the blues from the original masters. This is their story.
The Ten Commandments of Creativity
(2000)The Ten Commandments of Creativity are bestowed upon a desperate advertising executive just as he is about to commit suicide. The Ten Commandments become a template to navigate the state of creativity.

Monochrome: Black, White & Blue
(2017)Traces the evolution of blues through pivotal moments in American history, with commentary from legendary figures in the film and music industry.

Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
(2021)Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson's transporting documentary is part music film, part historical record.

All Access: Front Row. Backstage. Live!
(2001)
Lightning in a Bottle
(2004)This one-time-only concert at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall brought together some of the greatest performers in the history of blues music.

The Art of McCartney
(2014)An iconic songwriter and performer, Paul McCartney has been providing the soundtrack to millions of peoples lives for over half a century. This documentary explores the making of a remarkable album: The Art of McCartney features the finest artists of today paying their respect to the greatest. In this film you are going to hear from some of the artists who shaped The Art of McCartney, sharing their thoughts about Paul's music and the songs they have recorded.