Wattstax

Last night my friend invited me to see the 1971 documentary Wattstax in Newark, NJ. The film was part of the NJPAC Words | Film | Music film/discussion series with Nelson George. I must say I was a little reluctant to trek it from NYC all the way to Jersey. But luckily my friend asked me to join him 3 weeks in advance so I was able to get my mind right to make the trip.  It actually wasn’t that bad. I left a little early from work and took the NJ Transit train to Newark. It was just the 2nd stop. Then I met up with my friend and we took the light rail over to the NJPAC. I was running a little late (of course) but we made it to the venue with a few minutes to spare.

I had never heard of this documentary before.  And for those of you that aren’t familiar either…Wattstax was about the legendary "black Woodstock" concert that took place at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It included performances by Isaac Hayes, Albert King, Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Staple Singers, the Emotions, the Bar-Kays, and other greats of soul, R&B, and gospel— plus comedic humor from a then little-known Richard Pryor and Ted Lang. (Remember him? He was the bartender from the Love Boat.)  The documentary was a celebration of black Los Angeles after the riots and the legendary Stax Record Label.  All of the performers in the documentary were signed to Stax at the time.

Wattstax intersperses the candid, "man-on-the-street" interviews with concert and audience footage, creating an evocative tableau of a community in transition after the devastating riots. Pryor’s trenchant musings are equal to their Shakespearean task, offering sharp insight into the realities of life for black Americans, circa 1972. This time capsule of the great comedian, on the eve of crossing over into mainstream stardom, is one of the gems of "Wattstax." Others include the Staple Singers celebrating black music’s common roots in gospel, Hayes’s hot and flashy performance of "Theme From Shaft," and, for a priceless comic snapshot, Rufus Thomas dancing the Funky Chicken in hot pants.

For Stax, the concert was a bold move to promote both the label and the idea of African-American economic empowerment. The show’s MC was none other than the Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose Operation Breadbasket and People United to Save Humanity — early efforts to achieve social and civil equality through economic power — had received support from Stax. The label’s VP of advertising and publicity, Larry Shaw, was considered a pioneer in creating positive ad campaigns while also providing advice to such civil-rights organizations as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

I was so glad that I got a chance to see this documentary. It was so good. I was so tired that I was sure that I was going to fall asleep but I didn’t. I couldn’t! It was that good. The music was great. The candid interview topics resonated with life today. From police accidently shooting black men to dating a black woman. The footage was shot before Richard Pryor became famous. He was so funny and right on with his comments. I also didn’t know that Ted Lang was so militant. He kicked knowledge throughout the entire documentary.

There was a panel discussion with Melvin Van Peebles and George Clinton moderated by Nelson George. As you can see George Clinton was a no show and had a replacement. Unfortunately, I have no clue the name of his replacement.

My homeboy had the hook-up so we were able to go backstage for a meet and greet with the panelist. I got to meet Melvin Van Peebles. He was so nice.

Look at how smooth his is with his cigar!

I also got a chance to take a picture with Nelson George. There was so much I wanted to talk to him about but I didn’t get a chance. Maybe next time.

I encourage you to watch the trailer. I can’t say enough good things about this movie.

The Wattstax documentary is available for purchase here for $9.20 with free shipping. You can watch it instantly or purchase the DVD.

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