Under the guiding hand of Martin Scorsese, The Blues is a seven-part PBS television series of personal and impressionistic films viewed through the lens of seven world-famous directors who share a passion for the music. The films, by Scorsese, Charles Burnett, Clint Eastwood, Mike Figgis, Marc Levin, Richard Pearce and Wim Wenders, capture the essence of blues music and delve into its global influence — from its roots in Africa to its inspirational role in today’s music.
The series is motivated by a central theme: how the blues evolved from parochial folk tunes to a universal language. The Blues traces the journey of the music from Africa throughout America, across to Europe and back again and explores its contribution to all popular music. Simply put, it is the journey from Robert Johnson’s Delta blues “Love In Vain,” to John Coltrane’s transcendental anthem “A Love Supreme.” Driven by the beat of performances by famous players from every kind of music the blues has inspired — hip-hop, rhythm and blues, soul, country and rock ‘n’ roll — this seven-part series takes us on a journey as soulful and ebullient as the music itself.
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Piano Blues: A Film By Clint Eastwood
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Red, White & Blues: A Film By Mike Figgis
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Godfathers and Sons: A Film By Mark Levin
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Warming By The Devil's Fire: A Film By Charles Burnett
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The Road to Memphis: A Film By Richard Pearce and Robert Kenner
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The Soul of A Man: A Film By Wim Wenders
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Feel Like Going Home: A Martin Scorsese Production
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