Say Amen, Somebody
Directed by George T. Nierenberg
1982/US
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/YouTube rental
Gospel music is the purest thing there is on this earth. – Elvis Presley
This truly excellent look at gospel music is less a documentary and more a joyful experience for the ears and heart.
The film captures fascinating interviews with the Father of Gospel Thomas A. Dorsey and the equally legendary Willie May Ford Smith. The joyful part consists of amazing performances by Smith and three singing acts – Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters, Zella Jackson Price, and the O’Neal Twins, Edgar and Edward, backed by a choir.
These performances are the equal of the greatest performances by the best soul singers ever. If you have any interest in the history of pop music from honky tonk blues through soul and R&B you will likely love this film. Highly recommended.
Lousy print but I love this song so much!
