“Fat Possum Records has released the Memphis ’69 documentary film, capturing three days and two nights of the sweltering, interracial 1969 Memphis Country Blues Festival, held within weeks of a KKK rally at the same location. Full song performances include a number of iconic Blues Hall of Famers such as Rufus Thomas & The Bar-Kays; slide guitar great Booker “Bukka” White; Sleepy John Estes with Yank Rachel; Texas’ Johnny Winter; Memphis’ own Furry Lewis, Beale Street sweeper who opened for the Rolling Stones; and North Mississippi bluesman Mississippi Fred McDowell. There are no talking heads, just the unfiltered shots of the concert and its surroundings from the time.” Also appearing in this film: John Fahey, Nathan Beauregard, Jo Ann Kelly, Son Thomas, Lum Guffin, Reverend Robert Wilkins & Family, Sid Selvidge, Moloch, John D. Loudermilk, Piano Red, Jefferson Street Jug Band with Robert Palmer and John Fahey, Insect Trust, and The Salem Harmonizers.
Memphis ’69: The 1969 Memphis Country Blues Festival: NOW STREAMiNG + Available on DVD via @FatPossum!
Memphis ’69 – feature concert documentary trailer:
Spotlight on Memphis ’69- “A year after Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, a group of blues legends came together to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of Memphis, TN. This concert documentary, shot over 3 days in June of 1969, celebrates an American art form that unites us all. Interview with Director Joe LaMattina, Producer Lisa LaMattina and Bruce Watson of Fat Possum Records at the 2019 Slamdance Film Festival.”
Memphis ’69 – Sundance 2019: Meghan Burk chats with filmmakers Joe LaMattina, Lisa LaMattina and Bruce Watson about their Sundance film, Memphis ’69.
