Series synopsis
Stax: Soulsville USA is an American documentary television series that premiered on HBO on May 20, 2024. It ended on May 21, 2024. It was created by Jamila Wignot. It stars Al Bell, Carla Thomas, Jim Stewart and Deanie Parker.
The story of an underdog, interracial record label that ushered in groundbreaking music.
Premise
The story of an underdog, interracial record label that ushered in groundbreaking music.
Premise: The sound of Memphis electrified the world.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Al Bell as Self - CMO / President of Stax
- Carla Thomas as Self - Artist
- Jim Stewart as Self - Founder of Stax
- Deanie Parker as Self - Director of Publicity / Stax
- Rob Bowman as Self - Historian
- David Porter as Self - Musician
Guest cast
- Isaac Hayes as Self - Musician
- Steve Cropper as Self - Musician
- Paul McCartney as Self - (Archive Footage)
- Aretha Franklin as Self - (Archive Footage)
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 4 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 4 | May 20, 2024 | May 21, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Cause I Love You In the late 1950s, Memphis' Stax Records quickly becomes one of the most influential record labels on the Black music scene, breaking out iconic artists such as Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MG's, and Otis Redding. As popularity grows in the Black market, Stax executives and musicians transcend racial divides and bring their music into the American mainstream. |
May 20, 2024 |
| 2 |
Soul Man Stax breaks through to the white market with Sam & Dave's crossover hit "Soul Man." But the untimely death of Stax star Otis Redding, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., legal obstacles, and ongoing racial tensions in Memphis reveal cracks in the company's façade. |
May 20, 2024 |
| 3 |
Respect Yourself Despite severe business setbacks, Stax Records rises again with Isaac Hayes's Oscar® and Grammy®-winning work for the 1971 smash hit Shaft. |
May 21, 2024 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | HBO |
|---|---|
| First aired | May 20, 2024 |
| Last aired | May 21, 2024 |
| Runtime | 55 minutes |
| Status | ended |