Rent B.B. King: At Sing Sing Prison (1972)
4.3 of 5 from 46 ratings
1h 21min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
By 1972, the Prison Concert was already an established, if infrequent event in the calendars of American jails; the blueprint had been set with the famous performances given by Johnny Cash at Folsom and San Quentin in 1968 and 1969 respectively. The huge success of these shows reassured the authorities and encouraged other musicians to follow suit. It was against this backdrop that film-makers David Hoffmann and Harry Wiland were allowed into New York's notorious Sing Sing prison, not just to make a film themselves, but to teach film-craft to some of the inmates. This relationship developed to such an extent that, encouraged by the prisoners, they persuaded the Department of Correction to allow the 'Thanksgiving Concert' which is the subject of this film. Many acts were approached to take part, and most refused, but blues legend B.B. King and veteran folk singer and activist Joan Baez recognised the importance of the venture, and with enthusiastic support from 'The Voices of East Harlem', comedian Jimmy Walker and performances from among Sing Sings inmates, a unique and never-to-be-forgotten show was staged. This video is not just the film of an extraordinary concert however, it is also a touching and enlightening documentary about the creation, production and filming of that concert, and equally works as a revealing tale of American prison life in the early 1970s. - Actors:
- Joan Baez, Thomas Beitard, Andrew Butler, J. Leland Casslles, George Contretas, Darrell Cusic, Mimi Fariña, BB King, Edward Lopez, Francisco Pabon, Miguel Pinero, Hector Rosario, Jose Sanchez, Richard Terrell, Wilfredo Velez, The Voices of East Harlem, Jimmie Walker, Joe Williams
- Directors:
- David Hoffmann, Harry Wiland, T.C. Garcia
- Producers:
- David Hoffman, Francisco Pabon, Harry Wiland
- Narrated By:
- Jimmie Walker
- Writers:
- T.C. Garcia
- Aka:
- Sing Sing Thanksgiving
- Studio:
- Crome Dreams
- Genres:
- Documentary, Drama, Music & Musicals, Performing Arts, Special Interest
