#’ Here Are 22 Documentaries to Celebrate Black Music Month this Weekend

[ausetkmt]

June is Black Music Month, and if you’re looking for music documentaries or series about your favorite artists, ABS has got you covered.

This week’s What to Watch list focuses solely on a variety of music-related movies and miniseries that highlight the contributions of Black musicians.

The music scene has definitely changed over the past few decades, but fans are always looking for unique or historical facts about their favorite artists. Spend time learning about their history, culture, and more.

Tyrese Gibson Fans Are Happy Seeing the Actor and His Youngest Daughter on a Ferris Wheel Together Following His Ugly Child Support Battle

Tyrese Gibson Fans Are Happy Seeing the Actor and His Youngest Daughter on a Ferris Wheel Together Following His Ugly Child Support Battle

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If you’re looking to hear the two powerhouses go at it vocally, tune in to “Dreamgirls” and “The Fighting Temptations.” But if you need a laugh, check out the only Black “Annie” movie ever made, starring singer and actor Jamie Foxx.

Check out this list of series and documentaries to enjoy this weekend in honor of Black Music Month.

Amazon Prime 

Dreamgirls (2006) Beyoncé also starred in the dazzling adaption of the Broadway musical about a 1960s girl group. She played Deena and Jennifer Hudson played Effie White, the latter for which Hudson won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. The film also starred Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Loretta Devine, Danny Glover, and Anika Noni Rose as the group’s third member, Lorrell. The film details their development as artists and singers.

Respect (2021) In this autobiographical film, Hudson played the lead as the legendary Aretha Franklin. The movie documents her adolescent years singing in her father’s church choir to her rise to international fame. Marlon Wayans plays Franklin’s ex-husband and former manager, Ted White, and Mary J. Blige portrays vocalist Dinah Washington. 

Ray (2004) Embattled actor Jamie Foxx portrays the life story and career of legendary R&B and blues musician Ray Charles. The biographical musical follows his impoverished beginnings in the South to touring under Jim Crow laws as a successful artist. He goes on to get married and have children, but his addiction to heroin never strayed too far away. After a series of arrests and a rehab stint, Charles regained his strength to make a brave comeback and enjoy decades of music success.  

School Daze (1988) Spike Lee wrote and directed the musical comedy starring Laurence Fishburne, Tisha Campbell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jasmine Guy, and many others. The Morehouse graduate explored the socio-political and economic issues surrounding students at historically black colleges and universities. 

The Fighting Temptations (2003) Beyoncé and Cuba Gooding Jr. star in this musical comedy about an ad executive who loses his job and leaves the Big Apple. He heads to Georgia to collect his aunt’s inheritance, where he leads a gospel choir to victory in a citywide competition. Other supporting cast members include LaTanya Richardson, Mike Epps, Chloe Bailey, Steve Harvey, Melba Moore, Shirley Caesar, Ann Nesby and Angie Stone. 

Apple TV 

Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001) An oldie but goodie is this musical drama starring Beyoncé, Mekhi Phifer, Mos Def, Bow Wow, Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri, Fred Williamson, and more. A beautiful woman with a hypnotizing face and body can have any man she wants. She chooses a cop who loses his job after spending one night with her. They both end up on the run from the police, but the biggest dreamer doesn’t make it out alive. 

Purple Rain (1984) Minneapolis native Prince plays a young artist with an abusive at-home living situation. The club singer creates a band to compete with a rival singer and explore new love. The film’s name is the same as the late singer’s sixth studio album.

 The Wiz (1978) The beloved feature film includes an all-Black cast, compared to its original 1993 film starring Judy Garland in the lead role of Dorothy. In the musical drama, Diana Ross plays Dorothy, Michael Jackson plays the Scarecrow, Richard Pryor as the Wiz, Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, and Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion. They work together to get to overcome obstacles and meet their destinies at the end of the yellow brick road. 

Tina Turner What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993) Two months before her passing, Tina Turner praised Angela Bassett’s portrayal of her in the biopic. It was based on Turner’s 1986 autobiography, “I, Tina: My Life Story,” and depicted her years of abuse during her marriage to her then-husband Ike Turner, played by Fishburne. Despite being the actress being snubbed an Oscar for her role, Turner said she felt “honored” by Bassett’s portrayal in the film.

BET+ 

The New Edition Story (2017) The three-part miniseries about the legendary R&B group begins with five childhood friends who become international sensations while growing up in Boston. As they quickly emerge into the spotlight, various obstacles strain their finances, friendship, and future. The film led to “The Bobby Brown Story.”

Disney Plus

Black Nativity (2013) Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Tyrese, Jack Latimore, Jennifer Hudson, and more shocked fans with their vocals in their musical adaption of Langston Hughes’ 1961 play. In the all-Black cast film, a teen from Baltimore moves in with his estranged grandparents. Unhappy with their strict rules, he goes out into the street to find his own way.  

Let It Shine (2012) This film’s cast includes a few veteran actors and a bevy of actors who are being given flowers. “Abottt Elementary” star Tyler James Williams plays Cyrus, a teenage rapper looking to impress Roxie, played by “ICU” singer and ‘Bel-Air” actress Coco Jones. He battles his nemesis under an alias and wins with a rhyme about his lady.  Sadly, he gets no credit for it but ultimately wins Roxie’s heart.

HBO Max

Straight Outta Compton (2015) Based on a true story about the rap group N.W.A., “Straight Outta Compton” sees six men in Compton, Los Angeles, who pushed the boundaries and revolutionized hip-hop culture with gritty rap lyrics and their dealings with Suge Knight. O’Shea Jackson Jr. stars as the younger version of his father Ice Cube in the biographical drama, alongside Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr., Aldis Hodge, and Brandon Lafourch to make up the famed group.

Hulu

Cadillac Records (2008) Cedric the Entertainer plays music artist Willie Dixon and is the narrator of the rock ’n’ roll film full of great acting and great music. It details the rise and fall of Chess Records, the Chicago blues label owned by a Polish immigrant played by Adrien Broady’s character Leonard Chess. He launched the careers of late great musicians such as Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Etta James, the latter of whom was portrayed by Beyoncé.

Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary (2016) This passionate story tells the portrait of an unconventional jazz musician whose music refined music and continues to impact, influence, and transform other people’s lives. It features more interviews and little anecdotes about his life with narration from Denzel Washington.

Summer Of Soul (2021) Questlove made his filmmaking debut after premiering this movie at the Sundance Film Festival. The music documentary features six weeks of footage taken in the summer of 1969 in the aftermath of Black Creativity and the civil rights movement. The classic concert film looks back at a group of blues, gospel, and rock ‘n’ soul artists who performed at the Harlem Cultural Festival at Mount Morris Park. It includes performances from Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Mavis Staples, Sly & The Family Stone, and more.

Netflix

Get On Up (2014) Actor Chadwick Boseman portrayed the legendary James Brown in the biopic that explores Brown’s life, music, and presence on stages worldwide. It follows the music legend’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming of the most influential artists of the civil rights movement.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) This marks Boseman’s last movie before his unexpected passing. The new adaptation of August Wilson’s play tackles hard issues like race, art, and the exploitation of black artists in the 1920s. Viola Davis gave viewers a riveting performance as Ma Rainey, who never failed to hold back when she wasn’t satisfied with a song. Most of the film is recorded in a studio as she prepares to record new music for an album while clashing with white producers.

Sparkle (2012) Jordin Sparks made her feature film debut in this remake of the original 1976 film alongside industry vets like Derek Luke, Mike Epps, and the late singer Whitney Houston. She plays a child prodigy who sings in a group with her two sisters. Set in 1968, Detroit, the musical trio have hopes of signing a record, which seems far in the future due to one sister’s drug habit and Houston’s role as an over-protective mother. The “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” singer died in February 2012, months before the film was released in theaters. The original “Sparkle,” starring Lonette McKee and Irene Cara — also is available to stream, on Amazon Prime.

The Get Down (2016) The hip-hop-themed drama is set in the South Bronx, known as the birthplace of hip-hop and has been since the 1970s. It follows a small crew of teens who dance or create music. Production reportedly spent over $120 million to make the film, making it the most expensive production in Netflix history. Each episode takes a deeper dive into the rise of hip-hop and disco music.

Starz

Annie (2014) The musical starring Jamie Foxx finds Quvenzhané Wallis as the first Black Annie. The orphan unexpectedly meets wealthy businessman Will Stacks, who uses her to help with his mayoral campaign. The funny satire has quiet moments, sad moments, and performances of “Tomorrow” and “Hard-Knock Life.” She eventually moves in with Stacks, and the two build a bond similar to the one depicted between Annie and her benefactor Daddy Warbucks in the 1932 “Little Orphan Annie” classic.

YouTube

The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992) In the film, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and Angela Bassett play Joseph and Katherine Jackson, the parents of Michael Jackson and his nine siblings. The five-hour miniseries tells the captivating story of how five Jackson siblings became one of the most iconic boy groups in music history. Their unique sound came out of Gary, Indiana, and took over the music industry for years.

[savetopnow]

2018-03-31 01 MUSIC now

MUSIC

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Thundercat & Flying Lotus scored Atlanta's great "Barbershop" episode

Felicia Atkinson begins US tour in NYC tonight (stream her 2017 LP)

Five Notable Releases of the Week (3/30)

Gallant playing intimate NYC & LA shows

Consquence of Sound

Kacey Musgraves performs “Slow Burn” on Colbert: Watch

Eddie Vedder covers U2’s “Bad” in Brazil: Watch

The Weeknd shares videos for “Try Me” and “Call Out My Name”: Watch

Thundercat and Flying Lotus scored last night’s episode of Atlanta

Lady Gaga graciously covers Elton John’s “Your Song”: Stream

Fact Magazine

Carl Craig and more feature in Plastic Dreams, a book documenting the ’90s Paris club scene

Relaxer unveils debut album A Family Disease, releases 22-minute track

Watch a beautiful documentary about Ryuichi Sakamoto’s tsunami-damaged piano

Tom Misch – Against The Clock

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Fluxblog

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Idolator

Tinashe Hits The Courts In Her Vibrant “Me So Bad” Video

Lady Gaga Pays Tribute To Elton John With Her Rousing “Your Song” Cover

Cardi B Warns A Straying Lover To “Be Careful” On Her New Mid-Tempo

Kylie Minogue’s “Raining Glitter” Is A Return To Dance-Pop

Stream The Weeknd’s Moody ‘My Dear Melancholy,’ EP

Listen to This

TerraGenesis - Get New Weapon Theme (Mega Man 3) [synthwave / 8-bit]

Kumar - Keralanka [Hip-hop] (2018)

Marc Rebillet - GALACTIC RIFT IN SPACETIME SEPARATES UNIVERSE (2016) [Meme/Hip-hop]

Yavuz Çetin -- Cherokee[Blues/Rock] (2001)

Luminous B -- People Die Young [Indie/Pop/Rap] (2017)

Popjustice

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NONONO’s new one is v excellent and here’s the video

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The Weeknd - My Dear Melancholy, [R&B]

Dance Gavin Dance - Man Of The Year [Experimental Rock/Post-Hardcore]

The Distillers - The Young Crazed Peeling [Punk]

The Go-Go's - Vacation [New Wave]

Interpol - All The Rage Back Home [Alternative/Indie] (Official Video)

Rolling Stone

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'Westworld' Composer Talks 'Epic' Take on Nirvana's 'Heart-Shaped Box'

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Slipped Disc

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Spotify Blog

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We Are the Music Makers

Made a video to share my idea for learning guitar fretboard notes.. pretty cool memory technique IMO, worked well for me. Hope it's helpful!

I am giving access to everybody who wants to record on tape on the cloud.

/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers Weekend Collaboration Thread

/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers Friday Feedback Thread

Favorite Songwriting Moments?

[tdotrenae]

Man Crush of the Month: Tra’von Armond

August is my favorite month of the year! The weather starts to break and it is not awfully hot anymore. It is also my pleasure and honor to introduce this month’s man crush Tra’Von Armond Williams or Tra’Von Armond formerly “Traykash.” I first met Tra’Von during Honors Visitation Weekend at Hampton University in 2011 and it has truly been an honor to watch him flourish. He was literally the Big Man on Campus that everyone wanted to either be like or get to know. He’s 22 years old from Columbia, South Carolina. He’s taken (sorry ladies)! Tra’Von Armond is an brand manager, and entertainment connoisseur who is passionate about elevating artistic talents into professional careers. He is involved in assisting talent with the necessary backing in order to propel their brands to higher levels. He has also worked with television and radio networks, and small businesses, which all provided the much needed experience that lead him to collaborate with several notable companies on an array of marketing campaigns to include Revolt TV, and Atlantic Records. With his charismatic personality, humble nature, and determined mentality he is sure to “shake the industry.”

Now on the rest of the interview!

Do you have any interesting fun facts about yourself?

As a kid, I enjoyed watching shows like Dragon Ball Z, The Crocodile Hunter, 106 & Park.

How would you describe your personality in three words?

Personable, Understanding, Motivated

Which do you prefer to listen to your heart or your brain? Why?

I prefer to listen to my heart. I believe that God speaks to us through our hearts, and not our minds.

Who is your celebrity crush?

She was on one side of the screen and I was on the couch, and ever since we laid eyes while I watching ATL, Lauryn London has been my lady. Of course she doesn’t know this special moment, but I remember it just like yesterday !

Who do you think should make the first move males or females? Why?

I think men should make the first move. If a man and woman are both in the same room, and the man doesn’t make the first move, it simply means he isn’t as interested as he could be.

What’s the longest relationship you’ve been in? What did you learn?

The longest relationship I been in wasn’t consistent but it lasted off and on for over six years. Through my mistakes, I learned how to be a man and not a boy.

What motivational words would you tell someone on the come-up?

My favorite quote is, “Don’t complain about how much is on your plate, when your goal was to eat.” I use this because we oftentimes want to reach success, however we sometimes fail to realize with on our journey towards success the roads can become overwhelming.

What’s the most awkward date that you’ve ever been on?

Ha, I’m an awkward person, so a typical awkward date in my eyes was a very normal one.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years I see myself finishing all of my professional schooling, and beginning to live out all of my dreams.

What do you usually do to let a girl know that you are interested in her?

Not to sound like a creep but I try to be in the same environment as her as much as possible without acknowledging her. I promise not a stalker lol, maybe this answer did not come out the way I intended it to !

What is your favorite and least favorite thing about yourself?

My favorite thing about myself is that how determined I am, and my least favorite is that I oftentimes care what people think of me.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

Behind God and my mother of course, the most influential person in my life is Sean P.Diddy Combs. I admire his work ethic, his own determination and his success.

What’s your personal theme song?

My personal theme song is Hustler Musik – Lil Wayne

What are your lifetime ambitions?

One day I want to be able to impact the world on a global level. It would be amazing to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

What are your career goals?

Honestly, I want to either be a CEO of Universal Music Group or Viacom, and I wont stop until I make it.

Why do guys tend to hide your feelings and not fully express them?

Guys are conditioned to not show feelings or show their emotions because society deems that as not being masculine enough.

What do guys do to make them feel better after a long day? What are your forms of self-care?

I can’t speak for every man but I know for me SLEEP is everything. I feel much better after a good nap.

What are you most afraid of living in today’s society?

A Trump society, literally !

How do you seize and take advantage of every single day?

I seize and take advantage of every single day through organization. Recently I purchased this black journal from Office Depot. This journal serves as an organizational tool providing a place to jot down my “to-do list”, notes, ideas, and biblical inspirational quotes.

What’s the most discouraging part about being a man? How do you deal with it?

The most discouraging part about being a man is the burden of trying to fulfill societal expectations of being a good man.

How are you changing the world?

I believe I am changing the world by giving young men a proper role model to admire and strive to be greater than.

What’s one thing you want the world to know about you and who you are?

I want the world to know, that if you get a chance to get to know me, I am not the person you may have heard about. Get to know me for me, and not for what you have heard. I promise you will not regret it !

Do you have a brand? Share what it’s purpose, mission and goals here –

Well you guys are the first to hear it but I am in the process of rebranding from “TrayKash” to Tra’VonArmond. Still stay #PluggedIn for what’s to come. I am still the same me, just the documentary from a different angle. Meanwhile you can follow me @Tra’VonArmond ( I think this article will release after the big switch)

Want to connect with Tra’Von – Here’s his social media:

To check out all of Tra’Von’s Pictures follow his Instagram

Tra’von’s Adventures via Twitter or Snapchat

Check Him Out on Facebook

travonarmond.com COMING SOON

The Armond Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization COMING SOON

from Man Crush of the Month: Tra’von Armond

[savetopnow]

2018-03-30 22 MUSIC now

MUSIC

Brooklyn Vegan

Cardi B shares "Be Careful"; 'Invasion of Privacy' album out next week

The Weeknd drops new EP 'My Dear Melancholy' (listen)

What's going on Friday?

tours announced: Cut Copy, Ty Segall, June of 44, RTJ's DJ Trackstar, more

FYF Fest announces 2018 dates (are My Bloody Valentine playing?)

Consquence of Sound

Lorde covers Drake’s “Shot For Me” in Toronto: Watch

DJ Esco drops star-studded album, Kolorblind: Stream

Kacey Musgraves shares intimate, autobiographical new album Golden Hour: Stream

Julian Casablancas’ The Voidz let loose new album Virtue: Stream

Top 10 Songs of the Month: Rae Sremmurd, Pearl Jam, and Lucy Dacus

Fact Magazine

Carl Craig and more feature in Plastic Dreams, a book documenting the ’90s Paris club scene

Relaxer unveils debut album A Family Disease, releases 22-minute track

Watch a beautiful documentary about Ryuichi Sakamoto’s tsunami-damaged piano

Tom Misch – Against The Clock

Soho Rezanejad is the daring Dane blending darkwave drones and intense philosophy

Fluxblog

Shower Me In Symphonies

Fifth-Dimensional Views

Late Night Games

The Middle Of A Cold Premonition

The Moon Right Behind Me

Idolator

Lady Gaga Pays Tribute To Elton John With Her Rousing “Your Song” Cover

Cardi B Warns A Straying Lover To “Be Careful” On Her New Mid-Tempo

Kylie Minogue’s “Raining Glitter” Is A Return To Dance-Pop

Stream The Weeknd’s Moody ‘My Dear Melancholy,’ EP

Bebe Rexha Features On Ne-Yo’s New Single “Push Back”

Listen to This

waiai -- irasshai_bye_bye [Chillout / Glitch] (2013)

Last Dinosaurs - Beaux Mont [Indie Rock](2012)

Coach Z -- These Peoples Try to Fade Me [Rap / Indie] (2003)

You, Me, and Everyone We Know - Brooks Was Here [Rock]

Finneas - Break My Heart Again [Indie/Pop] (2018)

Popjustice

New Music Good Friday: Post Precious! Dragonette! CHVRCHES!

NONONO’s new one is v excellent and here’s the video

New Music Friday: all hail Let’s Eat Grandma’s miniature pop symphony

Paloma Faith’s branded content is better than your branded content

Saluting the artwork for PRETTYMUCH’s Healthy

Reddit Music

Dance Gavin Dance - Man Of The Year [Experimental Rock/Post-Hardcore]

The Distillers - The Young Crazed Peeling [Punk]

The Go-Go's - Vacation [New Wave]

Interpol - All The Rage Back Home [Alternative/Indie] (Official Video)

KMFDM - Megalomaniac [IDM]

Rolling Stone

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Hear Lady Gaga's Powerful Take on Elton John's 'Your Song'

Watch Taylor Swift's One-Take New 'Delicate' Video

Cave In, Old Man Gloom's Caleb Scofield Dead at 39

Review: On New LPs From the Voidz and Albert Hammond Jr., Two Strokes Go Their Own Way

Slipped Disc

Can I still play the old Curtis way?

Breaking: Dude goes to Uni

A Furtwängler returns to the Berlin Philharmonie

Death of an old-school Russian violinist, 80

Sir Simon Rattle gets new German title

Spotify Blog

The Weeknd Drops Two New Music Videos Only on Spotify

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Spotify Expands Secret Genius With the Launch of Studios

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Spotify Celebrates Black History Year-Round with Launch of Black History Is Happening Now

We Are the Music Makers

Should I buy Chris Hein solo strings?

/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers Weekend Collaboration Thread

/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers Friday Feedback Thread

Favorite Songwriting Moments?

How can I make something more of my work? What are some steps I could take to truly reach my potential?