R2OK!

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6728

Another excellent documentary from the Storyville thread.

If not for Muscle Shoals Aretha Franklin's career might not have been what it was/is...an extraordinary thought!

Located alongside the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals in Alabama is the unlikely breeding ground for some of America's most creative and defiant music. Under the spiritual influence of the 'Singing River', as Native Americans called it, the music of Muscle Shoals has helped create some of the most important and resonant songs of all time. At its heart is Rick Hall, who founded FAME Studios. Overcoming poverty and tragedy, Hall brought black and white together in Alabama's cauldron of racial hostility to create music for the generations. Greg Allman, Bono, Clarence Carter, Mick Jagger, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Keith Richards, Percy Sledge and others bear witness to Muscle Shoals's magnetism, mystery and why it remains influential today.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03x3vb9

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1147 Location: London

I finally caught up with this, a couple of weeks ago. Fabulous documentary, which was only released in cinemas a few months ago.

Rick Hall has certainly led an eventful life, with it's fair share of tragedy. Great to actually see the Swampers after all this time, too. Those records they cut in Muscle Shoals, will never be bettered. This is something I will watch again and again. Just fantastic. Thank the lord for BBC 4.
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life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

Colin · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 916

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1147 Location: London

I don't think they'd dare, Colin. The kerfuffle over 6 Music would pale in comparison. If they want to save money, then one presenter per show, would be a good place to start.

Then there's all the suits who don't produce. And the taxi fares to Salford, plus a myriad of wasted money on half assed projects.

BBC 4 can't cost much to run, as since last year, it consists of mainly repeats - as do all their other channels, come to think of it. I don't think I'd pay my licence fee if they did try and scrap it. Eastenders, Doctor Who and The Voice, are three programmes that I never watch, but are their "jewels in the crown". Any one of those would easily pay for the upkeep of Four.

Does anyone watch BBC Parliament? Or admit to it?

Think I need a lie down.
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life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans