| Genre: | Documentary |
| Director: | Jamila Wignot |
| Country: | United States |
| Num Episodes: | 4 |
| Cinematography: | Bryan Gentry |
| Language: | English |
| Runtime: | 50–62 minutes |
| Network: | HBO |
Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. is an American documentary series directed and produced by Jamila Wignot. It corrects the history of Stax Records.[1]
The documentary had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 10, 2024, where it won the TV Premiere Audience Award.[2] [3] [4] It premiered on May 20, 2024, on HBO.[5]
The series follows Stax Records, a record label that ushered in artists, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, The Staple Singers and Sam & Dave; The label went from being an outsider to one of the most influential producers of music, with an impact even after the label has gone.[5] [6]
In May 2022, it was announced Jamila Wignot would direct and produce a documentary series revolving around Stax Records for HBO Documentary Films, with Ezra Edelman set to executive produce.[7] Rob Bowman served as a consultant on the series.[8]
[9] On Metacritic, the series holds a weighted average score of 81 out of 100, based on 5 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[10]
Nina Metz of Chicago Tribune gave the series three out of four stars, writing: "A story of musical genius but also racism, personal tragedies and corporate greed."[11] John Anderson of Wall Street Journal also praised the series writing: "Stax may have been of a particular place and time, but Ms. Wignot resurrects it all gloriously, and grittily, and with the personality and precision of the M.G.s rhythm section."[12]
76th Primetime Emmy Awards - Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series (nomination) and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program (nomination)[13]