By interweaving the rise and fall of the iconic music label Stax Records with the Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s to the 1970s, Peabody Award-winning director Jamila Wignot spotlights the powerful intersection of social progress, joy, and critique that occurred through the Memphis record label that so greatly affected popular music.

Episode Description

In this episode, we examine the four-part Peabody Award-winning HBO documentary series Stax: Soulsville USA through a conversation with the film’s director, Jamila Wignot. The series chronicles the incredible rise and fall, and rise and fall again, of Stax Records, the Memphis soul record label that brought us incredible artists such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave, and Booker T. & the MGs. Wignot explores how the history of Stax Records is interwoven with the history of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, gave rise to the birth of soul music, and was built on a racially integrated musical community. We also discuss the business acumen of Stax leader Al Bell, and the ultimate threat of black economic success. Following that conversation, host Gabe Gonzalez speaks with radio and media personality Dyana Williams on the still unfolding legacy of Stax Records.

Show Resources