Wattstax

Wattstax is an enthralling 1973 documentary film that powerfully captures a unique confluence of music, community, and social commentary. Through an impressive ensemble featuring The Dramatics, The Staple Singers, and Kim Weston alongside many other seminal figures of soul and R&B, the film immerses the viewer into the fervor and spirit of a changing era marked by continued struggles for African American civil rights, equality, and identity.

The film, directed by Mel Stuart, chronicles the 1972 Wattstax music festival in Los Angeles, an iconic event often regarded as the "black Woodstock." What sets Wattstax apart from other music documentaries of its time is its commitment not only to showcasing incredible musical performances but also to exploring the social and political context surrounding the festival. It takes place seven years after the 1965 Watts riots, a significant marker of racial tension in Los Angeles and nationwide.

The concert itself was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to a packed audience of mostly African American attendees—a monumental snapshot of the vibrant Black community in Los Angeles in the early '70s. The film beautifully highlights the event's significance, illustrating its role as much more than a music festival, but as a grand assertion of Black pride and power.

Divided between entrancing performances and thought-provoking interviews conducted by Richard Pryor, Wattstax offers an intimate reflection on the African American experience in the 70s. Throughout the film, the viewer encounters a variety of perspectives—from concert-goers, residents of Watts, and performers—on matters such as race, religion, politics, and segregation. These segments are interlaced with exhilarating musical segments, creating a tapestry of memorable moments that feel both profound and entertaining.

The prominent musicians headlining the festival, including The Dramatics, The Staple Singers, and Kim Weston, shine brightly on the screen. They perform passionately, delivering performances that stand as enduring testaments to the richness and vitality of soul, gospel, and R&B music. Each of these musical segments embody a spectrum of the black experience, encapsulating its joy, strength, resistance, and perseverance.

The Dramatics, with their smooth harmonies and dynamic stage presence, offer a captivating portrayal of the soulful essence of the era's music combined with undeniable charisma. The Staple Singers, with their poignant fusion of gospel and soul, deliver performances imbued with powerful messages of hope, resilience, and protest. Kim Weston, with her soul-stirring rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," —often considered the Black National Anthem—sets an inspiring tone for the festival.

Meanwhile, the film's scenes outside the stage—captured with a unique realism—provide valuable insights into the lives and minds of the community, who lend their voices to the chorus of change. Here, we witness captivating dialogues led by Pryor with the Watts community and the festival-goers. These scenes expose viewers to a holistic portrayal of Black America at a transformative time in the nation's history.

Wattstax stands as a powerful, poignant documentary. Not only does it shine a light on a unique chapter in the history of American music and culture, but it's also an important socio-political chronicle. The film works both as a masterful concert documentary and as a time capsule of an era marked by a heightened struggle for recognition, cultural expression, and social justice.

Wattstax's real triumph lies in its vibrant portrayal of a community coming together in an assertion of cultural identity. It captures an important moment in American history through a lens that balances music and the fervor of societal change, making it an essential viewing for cultural historians, music enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the merging intersectionality of music and societal narratives.

The film's sheer authenticity makes it so much more than a document of a single day of music and celebration. It's a lasting testament to the power of a community, the enchantment of music, and the critical role that both play in responding to and shaping the milieu from which they arise. Wattstax is a resonant tribute to the power of music and community as instruments of change, making it a timeless and important watch.