One incredibly entertaining form of music journalism is the documentary. It has been and seemingly always will be a staple in the music business, as there is nothing more smile-evoking than seeing a band on film in their natural habitat. The medium reveals hidden truths, vulnerable dispositions, complex social relationships, and so much more. In essence, music documentaries are just a gateway into the private lives of some of our favorite musicians.
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Many acclaimed journalists and filmmakers have taken to the silver screen to tell a candid story about their given musical subject. Regardless of the light they place the band or artist in, these directors and journalists often capture the honest soul of the musician under analysis. With that in mind, here are three of the greatest music documentaries that tell the greatest stories and reveal the unedited truth.
‘Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story’
When one of the greatest filmmakers of all time tells a story about one of the greatest songwriters of all time, it is bound to be pure storytelling gold. This is exactly what Martin Scorsese‘s film about Bob Dylan‘s Rolling Thunder Tour is. Following Dylan on his 1975 tour, the film shows an in-depth chronology of the tour’s American impact. It also shows the behind-the-scenes faces who helped it become so monumental.
Not only is it a story about a newly inspired Dylan, but it’s also a story about the American music industry and socio-political climate in the mid-1970s. It’s a tell-all tale containing multitudes of subtextual layers that demand greater and more attentive analysis. Since its release in 2019, it has become one of the most popular music documentaries on Netflix.
‘Searching for Sugar Man’
Released in 2012, Sixto Rodriguez’s rise from obscurity to international superstardom is one of the uncanniest music stories ever. Rodriguez, who tried to become a full-time singer/songwriter in the 1960s, failed and returned to his blue-collar day job. However, years later, and without any knowledge of it, he became one of the most famous artists in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
The documentary not only tells of Rodriguez’s amazing rise to fame but also sheds light on the music industry’s systemic injustices and the revolutionary undertones in his music. In all, it truly is just a mind-shattering story that some may have a hard time believing. If you are enticed to watch, visit Prime Video.
‘The Last Waltz’
Leave it to Martin Scorsese again to make an absolute masterpiece musical documentary. Telling the story of Robbie Robertson and The Band‘s last performance at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, The Last Waltz captures The Band’s rise and fall. In addition to the taping of the performance, The Band gives in-depth interviews about their careers and how road life had taken a toll on them before their retirement.
In the performance, The Band is accompanied by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, and Muddy Waters. If you’re a 1960s music fanatic, this documentary is a must-watch as it includes all of the greats on one infamous night in rock and roll history.
Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix
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