August 23, 2011
I'd never thought about Beyonce till the other night, when I attended the latest showing from the Black Screen, called Cadillac Records. A cinematic necessity, which she produced and co-starred in, in 2008.
I say necessity, for the film is based on the formation and history of Chess Records, the Chicago powerhouse of Blues; the genesis chapter of its electrified history. Fitting that it should be narrated by the Willie Dixon role. I think that the Blues has produced many legends, but only one genius – Willie Dixon. We celebrate him each time a local blues band plays 'Hoochie Coochie Man', 'My Babe' or 'Back Door Man'; as Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howling Wolf did, when they first sang these songs of his, more than half a century ago. From imprisoned hobo and conscientious objector, to hero in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The one and only Willie Dixon.
This great saga of two Polish-Jewish immigrants, the Chess Brothers, who ran nightclubs on the South Side of Chicago, then decided to go into the recording business. Enter Willie Dixon; followed by Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin Wolf, Chuck Berry, Elmore James, John Lee Hooker......
In 1961, a young woman's debut album was recorded by Chess. It included a cover of a Willie Dixon song, called 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and was entitled At Last. The debut album of Etta James. Beyonce Knowles played her in the film; a moving portrayal. The great and enduring Etta James, who is 72 and was recently diagnosed with dementia.
Necessary, because it featured the Rolling Stones and mentioned Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin; iconic musicians, whose earliest musical influences and heroes, came from Black America; from Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson and Big Bill Broonzy, as well as Muddy, Wolf and Lightnin' Hopkins.
Featuring also, the robbery of talent, when songs are stolen and credit never given; when pressure conquers and drink and drugs take over. When racism resonates it's eternal sound, this film reminds us, we can counteract it with something of equal and enduring strength.
Thank you Beyonce, for giving us this celebration of music, defiance and dignity. I was feeling tired, but I'm glad I made the effort to to step out; to be refreshed, by sharing this ballad with you.
I say necessity, for the film is based on the formation and history of Chess Records, the Chicago powerhouse of Blues; the genesis chapter of its electrified history. Fitting that it should be narrated by the Willie Dixon role. I think that the Blues has produced many legends, but only one genius – Willie Dixon. We celebrate him each time a local blues band plays 'Hoochie Coochie Man', 'My Babe' or 'Back Door Man'; as Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howling Wolf did, when they first sang these songs of his, more than half a century ago. From imprisoned hobo and conscientious objector, to hero in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The one and only Willie Dixon.
This great saga of two Polish-Jewish immigrants, the Chess Brothers, who ran nightclubs on the South Side of Chicago, then decided to go into the recording business. Enter Willie Dixon; followed by Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin Wolf, Chuck Berry, Elmore James, John Lee Hooker......
In 1961, a young woman's debut album was recorded by Chess. It included a cover of a Willie Dixon song, called 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and was entitled At Last. The debut album of Etta James. Beyonce Knowles played her in the film; a moving portrayal. The great and enduring Etta James, who is 72 and was recently diagnosed with dementia.
Necessary, because it featured the Rolling Stones and mentioned Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin; iconic musicians, whose earliest musical influences and heroes, came from Black America; from Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson and Big Bill Broonzy, as well as Muddy, Wolf and Lightnin' Hopkins.
Featuring also, the robbery of talent, when songs are stolen and credit never given; when pressure conquers and drink and drugs take over. When racism resonates it's eternal sound, this film reminds us, we can counteract it with something of equal and enduring strength.
Thank you Beyonce, for giving us this celebration of music, defiance and dignity. I was feeling tired, but I'm glad I made the effort to to step out; to be refreshed, by sharing this ballad with you.