'Stax: Soulsville USA' Welcomes 'Tenacious' Spirit Behind Label Home of Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T.

Nearly 50 years after it was forced to close its doors in 1975, venerable Stax Records has won a Grammy again in 2024. During its 66^u annual Grammy Awards in February, Golden Gramophones for Best album Notes and Best Historical album were awarded to the seven-disc box set Written In Their Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demos.

Now in a further testament to the talented artists, songwriters, producers, musicians and engineers behind the label's valuable catalog — and the team of dedicated and tenacious executives running the business behind the scenes — comes Stax: Soulsville USA. Production and direction Jamila Wignot, the HBO Original docu-series premieres tonight (May 20, 9 p.m.-10 p.m. ET/PT) with two back-to-back episodes. The final two episodes will air tomorrow (May 21) in the same time slot. The series is a production of Laylow Pictures and White Horse Pictures in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment and Warner Music Entertainment.

The four-part series tells the story of the Memphis family company, founded by Jim Stewart in 1957 and co-owned by his sister Estelle Axton, whose color-blind approach to music is deaf to the prevailing division of times. The result? Music that broke through racial barriers to become mainstream classical music by artists such as Otis Redding ([Sittin’ On] the Dock of the Bay”), Isaac Hayes (“Theme from Shaft”), Sam & Dave (“Soul Man”) and Booker T. & the MG's (“Green Onions”).

In relaying his story, Stax: Soulsville USA incorporates restored and remastered archival performance footage and interviews with creatives and executives who helped shape the label's musical and cultural impact through the highs and lows of its business. Stewart and Axton, former chairman and owner of Stax Al Bellguitarist Steve Croppermusician/songwriter David Portersinger-songwriter Carla Thomas and members of the Bar-Kays James Alexander and Willie Hall are just a few of those who reminisce about their experiences in Soulsville.

Ahead of the documentary's premiere on HBO, director Wignot and former Stax publicity director Dinny Parker (co-author of the Grammy-winning Notes for Written In Their Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demos) share their thoughts on the label's legacy Advertising sign.

Why does Stax still resonate with music fans today?

Parker: Because it's subtle. Stax music—a fusion of Negro spirituals and gospel, influenced by white country music and nurtured in downhome Black blues—was not a sheet music. But rather authentic, heartfelt, rhythmic expressions recorded at the legendary Studio A. It's a style of music born in our souls dubbed rhythm and blues (R&B). Stax music is an emotion.

Wignot: Because it is great art. It gives voice to powerful and universal human themes – love, sorrow, joy, perseverance, freedom. It's original music. You can feel that these were artists who had the determination to make their music theirs way. They sought and achieved sincere expressions.

What new revelations does the documentary reveal or is there any misinformation it corrects?

Wignot: I hoped the series would provide a complex and detailed portrait of the label's history and the rich community of artists that made up that history. I think it will surprise audiences familiar with Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes and The Staple Singers to learn how persistent the company had to be to achieve the success it did. And how determined he had to be in the face of powerful forces—industry bias, racism, corporate greed—that stood in the way of her dream, which was simple: to make great music and reach audiences hungry for that unique sound. Our emphasis on Stax's final chapter, 1968-1975, will demonstrate the profound impact the label had on the industry and the possibilities it created for black artists.

Parker: The documentary makers' first-person interviews with Stax Records employees reveal the depth of pain and trauma most of us experienced resulting from the company's forced bankruptcy. It also validates the joy and happiness of the writers of the hits that are produced and respected worldwide. The documentary reveals our pride in the longevity and musical influence of the music catalog that continues today, thanks in part to Concord and our Stax Music Academy.

What do you hope fans remember most after watching the documentary?

Parker: I hope music lovers appreciate the value of teaching and preserving a unique psychotic style of music produced collectively by talented men and women of diverse backgrounds – Black and White. Stax Records happened because we practiced and perfected creating harmony together.

Wignot: Stax is a musical story. But it's also a story about what can happen when you refuse to accept the limitations that the world imposes on you. His tragic end is made less than the music that survives and reminds us every day of possibilities.