Back in the summer of 2010, we flew out to Memphis to embark on a project that’s still unfolding as we type this. The trip was coined ‘Soul University’ by our friend John Hubbell, who has spent the past 6 years working on a feature length documentary about Southern soul giant John Gary Williams, one of the key voices of legendary Stax vocal group The Mad Lads. From ’64 to ’72, The Mad Lads expertly combined sweet soul, doo-wop and eventually a little bit of psych. Hubbell, along with John Gary, invited a number of us to Memphis to sow the seeds for what’s shaping up to be a brilliant doc entitled I See Hope.
That 2010 Memphis trip was a life-changing experience for all of us. John Gary immediately opened his heart (and his memory bank), taking us around to his old haunts – some positive and others intensely harrowing. John Gary’s story is incredibly moving, one of those larger than life stories that was made for the big screen.
*Photo courtesy of Stax Museum
While The Mad Lads were riding high on the charts, he was drafted into Vietnam and eventually returned years later to rejoin The Mad Lads. But his newly discovered political consciousness also led him to The Invaders, a Memphis offshoot of the Black Power Movement. In August ’68, John was involved in a shooting which he tried to stop. He took the rap and went to jail. Upon returning, he cut a powerful self-titled solo LP in ’73 for Stax imprint Truth. The album included one of our favorite all-time soul tunes, “The Whole Damn World Is Going Crazy,” and “I See Hope,” from which the new documentary takes its name.
*Photo courtesy of John Gary Williams
Stax was in a slew of problems, causing the album to go largely unnoticed. His music career fizzled. For a time, John Gary moved out to Los Angeles and worked as a cab driver. Then he moved to Iowa to work at a meat packing plant. Then years later the world finally started catching up to his musical genius. That’s a tiny thumbnail of John Gary’s life. The doc I See Hope is hoping to get his story told and give the man another chance.
The film team have put together a Kickstarter page in hopes of raising funds and awareness about the project. Please take a look! http://www.kickstarter.com/johngarywilliams
All of this reminds us: we’ve gotta get back to Memphis. We’re currently missing so many things from that epic 2010 visit like that BBQ pork sandwich from Payne’s, stories from Robert Gordon, Gus’s Fried Chicken, the wonderful Deanie Parker & Tim Sampson, and the greatest tour guides on planet earth: Andria Lisle & Scott Bomar. Why don’t we live in Memphis?!?!
Below is as the Kickstarter trailer for I See Hope, as well as a few of our favorite tunes from The Mad Lads and John Gary’s ’73 solo LP.
The Mad Lads – “Don’t Have To Shop Around”
The Mad Lads – “Gone! The Promises of Yesterday”
John Gary Williams – “The Whole Damn World Is Going Crazy”
It’s another early rise, smoked salmon, tea, and the joys of email. A few hours later, I’m off to pick up Rodriguez at 9:30 so we can hit soundcheck at the ASCAP Artist Cafe on Main Street in Park CIty, where Rodriguez will be performing this afternoon. It’s his first scheduled performance of the festival. We get there early and meet the ASCAP staff. All are incredibly helpful and kind. Looking out the green room window, you’re situated about 20 yards from the ski lift under bright blue skies and the sun beating down. It’s a gorgeous day. After soundcheck, Loretta at ASCAP introduces us to Sir Paul’s son James McCartney who is scheduled to perform right before Rodriguez hits the stage. It’s a surreal moment. Before landing in Utah, I didn’t know Paul had a son. He’s cordial and talks Native American jewelry with Rodriguez and his daughter Sandra. They trade CDs. Rodriguez and Sandra stick around to watch James’ soundcheck while I rush off to meet the folks from Sony Pictures Classics who just purchased the Rodriguez doc for North America. Afterwards, I grab pizza/burgers with Searching For Sugar Man‘s Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman, director Malik Bendjelloul, and producer Simon Chinn. I wolf down a burger which ain’t bad. Other than that heavenly salsa bar at Chubasco’s, the food in Park City hasn’t been that great. I’ve got no complaints though. This has been the trip of a lifetime. Sugar, Malik, and I search out some wireless — due to my current web withdrawals. We stumble on some complimentary coffee, tea, and web action. Sugar hits a bookstore next door while I head to the ASCAP Artist Cafe for set up.
The second screening of Searching For Sugar Man was an early one, happening at 9 AM at the Yarrow Theatre in Park City. I didn’t think last night’s premiere could be toped, but never underestimate the power of Sixto. While the film played, I chatted with Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman and Craig Bartholomew in the lobby of the theatre. Considering these two South Africans are the reason I’m standing here, I once again geeked out, asking questions about the intense process of finding Rodriguez well over a decade years ago. The three of us picked through certain lyrics on Cold Fact and Coming From Reality, leading to other unanswered clues. Time flew by so we sat down to watch the final half hour and still felt the goosebumps. Once again, the credits came up and a standing ovation ensued. The M.C. brought out Rodriguez, cast, and crew, and the audience went nuts further, which only escalated when someone yelled out “play a song!” Rodriguez grabbed his guitar, tuned up, and performed, covering a song by Paolo Nutini. Bless the joys of YouTube and witness it here -
