Although the Memphis label Stax Records — responsible for releasing the work of such foot-stompin’, chart-toppin’ soul-music acts as Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, the Staple Singers, and mega-star Isaac Hayes — never got the props bestowed upon its slicker, more polished competitor to the north (Motown Records), no one can argue with the fact that it played an integral role in the history of American music.
Now, with the release of the excellent documentary Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story on DVD (it aired originally on PBS), you can watch in-depth interviews with those responsible for the label’s success — including founders Jim Stewart and his sister Estelle Axton — along with rare and powerful concert footage of such superstars as Otis Redding and Booker T. & the MGs. Filmmakers Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville also take the time to examine Stax’s ascension in the context of the civil-rights era. A fascinating history lesson that’s entirely entertaining too, Respect Yourself should help put Stax in its rightful place in the pantheon of American music.
Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story
Respect Yourself
a clip from Respect Yourself
the Stax Museum of American Soul Music Website
Ask.com for Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story
This post is from Observer Short List—an email of three favorite things from people you want to know. Sign up to receive OSL here.
