Sidemen: Long Road To Glory

Sidemen: Long Road To Glory is a vibrant and captivating documentary from 2016 that examines the turbulent world of blues music through the lives of three remarkable musicians, Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Acclaimed comedian and podcast host Marc Maron narrates the film, adding his unique voice and perspective to the proceedings.

The film shines a spotlight on these often overlooked "sidemen" who played an essential role in the creation of the contemporary blues sound. It captures the highs and lows of their lives, charting their journey from obscurity to recognition, their struggles with poverty, addiction, and the racial injustices of their time, culminating in playing with some of the biggest names in music history, including Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. Sidemen: Long Road To Glory offers an intimate look into these extraordinary individuals' lives, focusing on their personal trials, triumphs, and significant contributions to the world of music.

Hubert Sumlin, the guitarist famous for his work with Howlin' Wolf, Pinetop Perkins, a piano player who worked with Muddy Waters, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, a drummer also associated with Waters, form the star trio of the documentary. They are all sidemen, musicians who don't get the spotlight but play the critical role of supporting the lead performers in creating the overall sound and mood of a performance.

Sidemen: Long Road To Glory examines their lives through individual profiles, each winding through time, starting from humble beginnings to reflect their lives characterized by brilliance and fortitude. The film employs a mixture of interviews, historical footage, photographs, and poignant performances to paint a picture of these unsung heroes of blues music, framing their work's significance within the larger context of American music history. Poignant interviews with famous musicians, like Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Eric Clapton, and more shed light on the indelible influence these musicians had on them and the blues genre as a whole.

Hubert Sumlin's life story depicts overcoming an impoverished childhood and becoming one of the most influential guitarists in music history. His unique sound and style were a beacon to countless other musicians. Pinetop Perkins, who only started his solo career in his 80s, symbolizes resilience and the power of passion as he climbed the ladder to take his rightful place among the titans of blues music. Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, the self taught drummer and harmonica player who built a steady career off his unmistakable rhythm, provides the stark contrast of a gentleman whose life was interwoven with blues from his earliest years to his last breath.

A profound sense of loss permeates the film, as the three subjects passed away during the making of the documentary in 2011 within a span of eight months. Remorse for the passing not only of these luminaries but for an entire generation of such bluesmen who came up in the era of Jim Crow, segregation, profound racism, and intense poverty is palpable. They’ve left behind not just a legacy of captivating music, but also the valorous story of the remarkable human spirit, underlining that despite the toughest of circumstances, exceptional talent can find its way to shine and leave a lasting impact.

Directed by Scott D. Rosenbaum and produced by Jasin Cadic and Tony Grazia, the film premieres at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2016 to rave reviews. The film is imbued with a rich rhythm and soul of its own, much like the music of the stars it pays homage to, with its mesmeric cinematography and a screenplay that captures the essence of its subjects with raw emotion and respect.

Ultimately, Sidemen: Long Road To Glory is a moving tribute to three phenomenal musicians and the powerful music they helped shape. But it's also an ode to the countless other sidemen and side-women in the music industry's history who've influenced countless others and played vital roles in creating the soundtrack to many people's lives. It's a reminder that every person on the stage is essential to the performance, a testament to the unshakeable spirit of creation and music's transcendental power. Whether you're a blues enthusiast or a casual music lover, Sidemen: Long Road To Glory is a journey worth taking.