In 2024, the landscape of music documentaries remained vibrant yet challenging. With major streaming platforms reducing their focus on niche genres unless they featured mainstream stars, independent filmmakers and local film festivals stepped up to fill the void. The year saw a mix of retrospectives on iconic artists and fresh insights into lesser-known figures, offering a rich tapestry of musical history. From Boston's Regent Theater showcasing "The Fuzztones vs The World" to global tours of Persian pop icon Googoosh, these films captured both the triumphs and struggles of musicians across generations. Despite limited distribution channels, dedicated fans and enthusiasts found ways to experience these works through festivals, social media, and VOD platforms.
Highlights from the Year's Music Documentaries
In the heart of New England, Boston’s Regent Theater in Arlington welcomed audiences with a February 6 premiere of "The Fuzztones vs The World," an exploration of a New York garage band’s enduring legacy. Meanwhile, in Iran, Googoosh, once silenced by political upheaval, returned to the spotlight with her farewell tour, coinciding with protests following Mahsa Amini’s death. Her story, told in "Googoosh: Made of Fire," reflects the power and limitations of music as a tool for change.
Boston also hosted screenings like "Never Too Much," a documentary about Luther Vandross, organized by nonprofit groups such as the Independent Film Festival Boston and RoxFilm. Joan Baez’s life was poignantly depicted in "I Am a Noise," which premiered on Hulu, revealing her vulnerability amidst her celebrated career. Jackie Shane, a transgender soul singer who vanished from public view, re-emerged in "Any Other Way," a film that honors her resilience and the unyielding love she received from her surrogate family during the Jim Crow era.
The eccentric Billy Ruane, a beloved figure in Boston’s music scene, was immortalized in "The Road to Ruane." His life, marked by generosity and bipolar disorder, left an indelible mark on the community. Similarly, Swamp Dogg’s unconventional lifestyle and musical genius were showcased in "Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted," blending humor and insight. Cymande, an Afro-Caribbean group whose beats influenced hip-hop, found redemption in "Getting it Back," now available in the UK.
Other notable films included "Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary," which humorously explored soft rock legends, and "Harley Flanagan: Wired for Chaos," a character study of the Cro-Mags frontman grappling with personal turmoil. Tegan and Sara’s fan base faced unsettling challenges in "Fanatical," while disco’s evolution was examined in two complementary films, "Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution" and "Disco’s Revenge."
From Billy Preston’s rise and fall to Steppenwolf’s complex history, each documentary offered unique perspectives on iconic artists. Women in Boston’s music scene were celebrated in "Beautiful Was the Fight," highlighting inclusivity and perseverance. Nicky Hopkins’ contributions to classic rock were detailed in "The Session Man," though some segments felt padded. Gloria Gaynor’s journey, documented in "I Will Survive," revealed the challenges of maintaining relevance as an older female artist. Brenda Lee’s enduring impact was honored in a PBS special, and Cimarons’ pioneering role in British reggae was explored in "Harder Than the Rock."
However, not all films met expectations. "Hargrove," focusing on the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove, suffered from unresolved conflicts between filmmaker Eliane Henri and Hargrove’s manager. "BOOM! A Film About The Sonics" disappointed with its limited focus on the band’s glory days and intrusive personal narratives.
Reflections on the Year's Music Documentaries
As a journalist covering the music industry, it is clear that 2024 was a pivotal year for music documentaries. While the shrinking avenues for distribution posed challenges, the passion and dedication of independent filmmakers and festival organizers ensured that these stories reached eager audiences. Each film provided a window into the lives of musicians, revealing both their triumphs and struggles. Whether celebrating the resurgence of forgotten artists or delving into the complexities of well-known figures, these documentaries underscored the enduring power of music to inspire and connect people across cultures and generations. They remind us that music is not just entertainment but a profound expression of human experience, worthy of preservation and celebration.