Series synopsis
The Blues is an American documentary television series that premiered on PBS on September 28, 2003. It ended on October 4, 2003.
The Blues (2003) is a seven-part documentary series produced by Martin Scorsese that explores the history and influence of blues music. Each episode, directed by a different filmmaker, traces a unique aspect of the genre’s evolution—from its African roots to its global impact. Originally airing on PBS, the series includes Scorsese’s Feel Like Going Home, Wim Wenders’ The Soul of a Man, Richard Pearce’s The Road to Memphis, Charles Burnett’s Warming by the Devil’s Fire, Marc Levin’s Godfathers an ...
Premise
The Blues (2003) is a seven-part documentary series produced by Martin Scorsese that explores the history and influence of blues music. Each episode, directed by a different filmmaker, traces a unique aspect of the genre’s evolution—from its African roots to its global impact. Originally airing on PBS, the series includes Scorsese’s Feel Like Going Home, Wim Wenders’ The Soul of a Man, Richard Pearce’s The Road to Memphis, Charles Burnett’s Warming by the Devil’s Fire, Marc Levin’s Godfathers and Sons, Mike Figgis’ Red, White and Blues, and Clint Eastwood’s Piano Blues.
Premise: Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues - A Musical Journey
Cast and characters
Guest cast
- Taj Mahal as Self
- B.B. King as Self
- Marcia Ball as Self
- Ike Turner as Self
- Salif Keita as Self
- Ray Charles as Self
- Ali Farka Touré as Self
- Rosco Gordon as Self (archive footage)
- John Lee Hooker as Self (archive footage)
- Roy Hawkins as Self (archive footage)
- Sam Carr as Self
- Toumani Diabate as Self
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 42 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 35 | ||
| Season 1 | 7 | September 28, 2003 | October 4, 2003 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trailer | |
| 2 | Interview with Martin Scorsese | |
| 3 |
Taj Mahal & Corey Harris - Sittin' On Top Of The World Bonus Song |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Feel Like Going Home Director Martin Scorsese pays homage to the Delta blues. Musician Corey Harris travels through Mississippi and on to West Africa, exploring the roots of the music. The film celebrates the early Delta bluesmen through original performances (including Willie King, Taj Mahal, Otha Turner, and Ali Farka Toure) and rare archival footage (featuring Son House, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker). |
September 28, 2003 |
| 2 |
Soul of a Man The film explores the musical careers of blues musicians Skip James, Blind Willie Johnson and J. B. Lenoir. |
September 29, 2003 |
| 3 |
The Road To Memphis The film follows the career of Blues musician B.B. King. It features performances by B.B. King, Bobby Rush, Rosco Gordon and Ike Turner, as well as historical footage of Howlin' Wolf and Rufus Thomas. |
September 30, 2003 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | PBS |
|---|---|
| First aired | September 28, 2003 |
| Last aired | October 4, 2003 |
| Runtime | 90 minutes |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |