Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music
Series Overview
Soul music has conquered the world in the last 50 years - growing from the raw, electric rhythms of the black underclass, it is now a billion dollar industry with R&B and hip hop dominating the world's charts. It's been the soundtrack to some of the most extraordinary social, political and cultural shifts. Together with the civil rights movement, it has challenged white hegemony, helped break down segregation and encouraged the fight for racial equality. This new six-part series, made by the BBC team who produced the critically-acclaimed Lost Highway, Walk On By and Dancing In The Street series, charts the evolution of soul music - with a fascinating combination of rare archive footage and over 100 contemporary interviews. The movers and shakers from the world of soul – such as James Brown, Mary J Blige, Beyoncé and Martha Reeves, - plus some often overlooked talent, track the music that shaped our lives.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 6 Episodes
60 min per episode
2005 – 2005
Premiered: Sat, May 7, 2005
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 6: “From Ghetto To Fabulous: Mary J. Blige”
Today, contemporary R&B is the music that the world spins to. R&B is one of the biggest selling music genres, worldwide its performers are among the most conspicuous celebrities on the planet with mighty corporations queuing up to recruit them to promote their products. This episode investigates how R&B arrived at its lofty heights. An extraordinary story unfolds, tracing the diamond-dripping, premiere-attending world of today's R&B stars, right back to the crack streets of Harlem in the mid 80s. It's also the story of how Mary J Blige's troubled journey revolutionised the sound of modern pop and in doing so took black music from the ghetto to fabulous.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
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Creative Leadership & Key Crew
William Naylor
Michael Poole
William Naylor
Department Leadership Roster
Michael Poole
Editor
William Naylor
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music
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What is Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music about?
Soul music has conquered the world in the last 50 years - growing from the raw, electric rhythms of the black underclass, it is now a billion dollar industry with R&B and hip hop dominating the world's charts. It's been the soundtrack to some of the most extraordinary social, political and cultural shifts. Together with the civil rights movement, it has challenged white hegemony, helped break down segregation and encouraged the fight for racial equality. This new six-part series, made by the BBC team who produced the critically-acclaimed Lost Highway, Walk On By and Dancing In The Street series, charts the evolution of soul music - with a fascinating combination of rare archive footage and over 100 contemporary interviews. The movers and shakers from the world of soul – such as James Brown, Mary J Blige, Beyoncé and Martha Reeves, - plus some often overlooked talent, track the music that shaped our lives.
How many seasons does Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music have?
Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music?
Key cast members in Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music include Colin Salmon, James Brown, Bootsy Collins, Ray Charles, Ben E. King.
Who created or directed Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music?
Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music was developed and directed by William Naylor.