New blues documentary ‘I Am the Blues.’

June 27, 2017

A new blues documentary, I Am the Blues is about to start screening around the country. If you are a fan of genuine traditional blues music, blues history, or black history, this film will suck you in, hold you to the end, and leave you wanting more.

The film features Bobby Rush. Barbara Lynn, Henry Gray, Carol Fran, Little Freddie King, Lazy Lester, Bilbo Walker, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, RL Boyce, LC Ulmer, Lil’ Buck Sinegal and others. Every one of them has fascinating things to say about the blues and the black experience of the 40’s and 50’s in Louisiana and Mississippi and beyond. To illustrate that racism was not confined to the South, Rush tells an illuminating story about going to Chicago in the 50’s to find freedom. He played white clubs where he and the band were hidden behind curtains because the audience wanted to hear the music but not to see them.

These stories are not told bitterly, though, and most of the stories are upbeat. These musicians, in their old age, are still playing and singing and enjoying life and the bond they all share.

Much of the documentary takes place around Bentonia. MS,and at the Blue Front Cafe, owned and operated by Jimmy “Duck” Hughes for over 40 years. We also visit the grave of Sonny Boy Williamson with Rush, look in on a rowdy family gathering and attend a special reunion where the musicians get to sing, play and joke around with each other.

Aside from the wonderful film, there is a fantastic website, the best I have ever seen for a film. It has extra footage, an interactive area with artist profiles and film clips, and so much to see and hear that I keep going back to explore a little more. https://iamthebluesmovie.com/

This film and its website are invaluable for any blues lover. If I were a teacher, it would be something to share in History class. It, and its website, are a source of information and entertainment that will preserve a fading part of American history for years to come!