5 Music Documentaries on Netflix You Should Be Watching
Ah, spring break. A time, for most people, filled with nonstop parties interspersed with beach-side naps and a cocktail in hand. For me, spring break is for two things, and two things only: sleep and music. Between frequent, much needed naps and getting ahead on homework and projects before finals, spring break is a time where I can work on tracks, remixes, and mix ideas almost completely uninterrupted. Since I’m an outgoing senior this year, it’s also a good opportunity to push my resume out to as many companies as possible ⁽ʰᶦʳᵉ ᵐᵉ ᵖˡˢ⁾.
Spring break is also an awesome time for one of my favorite pastimes: the all-important NETFLIX BINGE. Last week, I took a break from my 5th and 500th replays of Stranger Things and The Office, respectively, to dig through Netflix’s extensive library of music documentaries and biopics. Add these 5 gems to your watchlist:
1. Avicii: True Stories
I think the New York Times says it perfectly: “The Arc of Fame, Cut Short.” Watching this documentary was not easy. For me and many others my age, Avicii was my introduction to EDM. True Stories gives us inside glimpse of the pain and isolation that Avicii felt as the weight of touring and fame weighed down on him that is truly sobering and heart wrenching. A must-watch for any and all DJ’s and electronic music fans.
To supplement the documentary, check out Rolling Stone‘s feature, “Inside Avicii’s Final Days” here.
2. Quincy
There’s a reason Quincy Jones has 80 Grammy nominations, 28 Grammy wins, and a Grammy Legend Award under his belt. Jones has, over six decades, established himself as an industry giant both in and out of the studio. His contributions to music have shaped the lives and careers of innumerable artists. Says Vanity Fair, “For those unfortunate souls who only know Jones as the producer of ‘Thriller’ … ‘Quincy’ presents a streamlined and convincing case for taking a much deeper dive into his accomplishments.”
2. Quincy
There’s a reason Quincy Jones has 80 Grammy nominations, 28 Grammy wins, and a Grammy Legend Award under his belt. Jones has, over six decades, established himself as an industry giant both in and out of the studio. His contributions to music have shaped the lives and careers of innumerable artists. Says Vanity Fair, “For those unfortunate souls who only know Jones as the producer of ‘Thriller’ … ‘Quincy’ presents a streamlined and convincing case for taking a much deeper dive into his accomplishments.”
3. Sample This
This critically-acclaimed documentary traces the birth of hip hop to my hometown, the Bronx (!) and tells the story of how Kool Herc turned a forgotten record into one of the most pivotal tracks in music history. ”
Fun Fact: Apache,” according to data from WhoSampled, has appeared in over 500 licensed tracks. This documentary, much like the break, is iconic.
4. Stretch & Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives
This one is a must for hip hop fans and New Yorkers alike. In the 80s and 90s, Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia played a major role in bringing rap to the cultural forefront via Columbia University’s radio station. Their show helped launch the careers of such names as Jay Z and Nas, the latter of whom dubbed it “the most important show of its time.” Billboard describes the documentary as “a rap-nerd cornucopia… highlighted by priceless footage of freestyles from golden-era icons when they were unpolished rookies, including a long-lost verse from The Notorious B.I.G.”
4. Stretch & Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives
This one is a must for hip hop fans and New Yorkers alike. In the 80s and 90s, Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia played a major role in bringing rap to the cultural forefront via Columbia University’s radio station. Their show helped launch the careers of such names as Jay Z and Nas, the latter of whom dubbed it “the most important show of its time.” Billboard describes the documentary as “a rap-nerd cornucopia… highlighted by priceless footage of freestyles from golden-era icons when they were unpolished rookies, including a long-lost verse from The Notorious B.I.G.”
5. Amy
Filled to the brim with interviews and never-before-seen footage, this documentary sheds an intimate light on one of music’s most beloved singer-songwriters, her spectacular rise to stardom, and her tragic fall. Roger Ebert gives it a 4/4, saying “what stands out is the almost overwhelming sense of voyeuristic intimacy… Sometimes, it feels as if we are eavesdropping on day-to-day conversations rather than just hearing the usual litany of platitudes and regrets.”
Honorable Mentions: Leaving Neverland & Surviving R. Kelly
While these two documentaries aren’t on Netflix, I’d be remiss if I left them off the list. In the last two months, Leaving Neverland and Surviving R. Kelly have brought to light the dangerous intimacy associated with superfandom, and drawn deep divides in Michael Jackson’s and R. Kelly’s fanbases respectively. Both documentaries are told by survivors of systematic sexual assault as they recount their experiences in the height of the #MeToo movement. Watch both, and formulate your own opinions.
Honorable Mentions: Leaving Neverland & Surviving R. Kelly
While these two documentaries aren’t on Netflix, I’d be remiss if I left them off the list. In the last two months, Leaving Neverland and Surviving R. Kelly have brought to light the dangerous intimacy associated with superfandom, and drawn deep divides in Michael Jackson’s and R. Kelly’s fanbases respectively. Both documentaries are told by survivors of systematic sexual assault as they recount their experiences in the height of the #MeToo movement. Watch both, and formulate your own opinions.
What music documentaries and biopics top your list? What did I leave out? Let me know in the comments!
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