Wattstax (1973)

January 11, 2023 2:05 PM

Documentary covering a Stax Records-sponsored all-day concert at the 1972 Watts Summer Festival with performances by Stax Records artists such as Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, The Staples Singers, and more.

Trailer, trailer, review (Chicago Reader, 1985) review (NPR, 2020), Rev. Jesse Jackson opening speech, The Emotions, Staple Singers, Carla Thomas, alternate Isaac Hayes ending, Richard Pryor's parts (NSFW language).

Stax Records, which promoted the concert, insisted that only African-American police officers be used for security. The company also insisted that the film crew be all African-American as well.

2004 DVD release. For rent/sale at Apple/Amazon/Google/YouTube/etc.

posted by box (2 comments total)

For pure joy, it's hard to beat Rufus Thomas. We picked up this DVD at the Stax Museum in Memphis, which is an overwhelming must if you're ever in town.
posted by whuppy at 6:19 AM on January 12, 2023 [2 favorites]

Also, I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful audience.
posted by whuppy at 6:23 AM on January 12, 2023 [1 favorite]