Groundbreakers

Groundbreakers innovate and originate. They’re the artists by whom we measure music’s before-and-after evolution. There was reggae before Lee “Scratch” Perry and reggae music after Lee “Scratch” Perry, acid-rock before and after Pink Floyd, guitar playing before and after Jimi Hendrix. They’re among the groundbreakers who build new roads for all who come after to travel.

The Rolling Stones
Ladies & Gentlemen

This explosive concert film, highlighting The Rolling Stones’ 1972 tour in support of “Exile on Main St.," depicts the rock n’ roll band at the peak of its powers. Filmed during two shows in Texas, and featuring contributions from longtime collaborators Bobby Keys & Nicky Hopkins, the performances focus on originals as well as a pair of blues-drenched covers.

Buddy Guy
My Time After Awhile

Buddy Guy journeys from rural poverty in Louisiana to landing at Chess Records in Chicago, where he soon became a superstar. Features never-before-seen archival footage from every phase of the blues great's career. Part of the Coda Groundbreakers Theme.

Jimi Hendrix
American Landing: Jimi Hendrix Live at Monterey

In June 1967, Jimi Hendrix returned to his native country and transformed the cultural, musical and fashion landscapes. Punctuated by Hendrix lighting his instrument on fire, the U.S. debut performance of the Jimi Hendrix Experience at the Monterey Pop Festival propelled the guitarist to the top ranks of international rock royalty. Part of the Coda Groundbreakers Theme.

Lee Perry
Live at the Jazz Cafe

Made at a time when Lee Perry began to receive long-overdue recognition from both the mainstream press and underground communities for his music, this concert film captures the singer known as “The Upsetter” performing at the Jazz Café on March 25, 2007. Part of the Coda Groundbreakers Theme.

American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966 Volume 1

Thanks to a couple of young promoters who brought some of the finest blues musicians to Europe—where they were treated with a good deal more respect than in America—an extraordinary lineup, including Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker and Sippie Wallace, gets the chance to strut their stuff for adoring audiences. Part of the Coda Groundbreakers Theme.

American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966 Volume 2

Three songs by Howlin' Wolf highlight the second volume of this seminal series of blues performances recorded in the 1960s, when an extraordinary lineup of musicians toured Europe and thrilled young Englishmen in attendance, including those already playing in bands like the Rolling Stones and the Yardbirds. Part of the Coda Groundbreakers Theme.

American Folk Blues Festival 1963-1969 The British Tours

This installment of the encyclopedic look at the 1960s blues scene features U.K. tour appearances by some of the world's blues giants, including Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Lightnin' Hopkins and Sister Rosetta Thorpe. Part of the Coda Groundbreakers Theme.

American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1969 Volume 3

Compiled from performances from European tours organized for American blues musicians in the 1960s, the third volume of the American Folk Blues Festival series brings together footage from estimable artists such as vocalist Helen Humes, pianist Memphis Slim, guitarist T-Bone Walker, bassist Willie Dixon and longtime partners Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Part of the Coda Groundbreakers Theme.

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