Kit O'Toole

A fascinating document of a turning point in music and culture.  

How They Got Over more than satisfies in its overview of 1920s-1950s gospel quartets.

Be instantly transported to soul, funk, and disco’s golden era in this five-DVD set.

The fourth volume in the Morrell Archives takes readers through the record promotion business in the decadent 1980s.

New or casual Beatles fans may find the documentary to be interesting only if they are largely unfamiliar with the group’s history.

The new documentary reveals the numerous contributions Native Americans have made to rock, blues, gospel, folk, and more.

To celebrate what would have been George Harrison’s 75th birthday, the 2002 film is being screened in theaters and receiving a re-release in various configurations.

The film tells a lesser-known part of rock history, but the hour-long format barely scratches the surface.

While interesting, the movie lacks key voices that would have provided a multi-dimensional portrayal of the classic rock group.

While the film presents a largely sympathetic portrait of the reclusive star’s last years, it never quite captures Jackson’s struggles during that period.

An R&B legend’s struggle with the spiritual and sensual is chronicled in this electrifying portrait.

This riveting documentary chronicles the history of the Mississippi juke joint and the ongoing struggle to preserve remaining clubs.

This remastered 1986 performance reveals the singer/songwriter’s allegiance to the rhythm and blues tradition.

The rock pioneers set the standard for impeccable harmonies, and wowed audiences with their special blend of rock, country, and R&B.

This 1991 performance showcases the band’s versatility and captures one of their last performances as an original quartet.

PBS salutes the legendary singer/songwriter with a fond look back at her career.

JACO presents a complicated yet fascinating portrait of a gifted musician who reinvented the bass.

Based on Andy Summers’ memoir, the documentary reveals the rise and demise of the defining 1980s band.

A Beatles documentary with a twist, the film pays homage to international tribute bands.

Relive the days of leafing through a friend’s record collection by reading the rock journalist’s new guide.

Learn more about the inspiration of the band’s 1969 masterpiece.

This riveting documentary shines a deserved spotlight on the most unknown MVPs in rock and soul music.

See U2 and INXS in their early years and relive other ’80s music in this music festival documentary.

The graphic novel attempts to tell the story of the Beatles’ manager–with mixed results.

The documentary explores the origins of the 1960s counterculture movement and how it influenced some of the Beatles’ greatest works.

The documentary tells how an obscure song spurred the creation of hip hop.

The good-hearted documentary tells the story the Beatles from the perspective of a true fan and onetime employee.

Little-known female jazz instrumentalists finally get deserved recognition in this documentary, which spans from the late 1930s to the present.
jazz, girls in the band, documentary, music

Her first live release in a decade shows how she has transformed from anger to maturity, all with her voice intact.

This thorough look at one of the 1970s’ most successful bands is a must-own for Eagles fans.

Long out of print, the restored film retains its multigenerational appeal, largely thanks to Harry Nilsson’s timeless songs.

The ex-Beatle uncovers some buried treasures and interprets them his own way in this deeply personal performance.

The low-budget film paints a fragmented picture of a complicated post-punk band.

A new package celebrates 25 years since the film–and its memorable songs–first entered popular culture.

Martha Reeves and her new Vandellas perform their hits at a South Carolina concert, now available on DVD and CD.

This trip down Philadelphia Soul memory lane proves that some artists get even better with time.

The music veterans show they still know how to rock after 40 years.

Fans of English blue-eyed soul will enjoy Simply Red’s high-energy performance at the legendary jazz festival.

Go inside the filming of one of the best rock movies ever made.

Old Blue Eyes’ story is retold through photographs ranging from childhood to his elder years.

Learn about the fascinating rise and fall of The Beatles’ failed label Apple Records.

Featuring live performances spanning from 1975-1983, the DVD shows the evolution of one of the most influential bands of the ’80s.

Morton succinctly tells the fascinating story of a classic movie musical that still enchants audiences.