Directed by Kenny Vance, Heart and Soul: A Love Story, tells a beautiful piece of musical history that has widely been overlooked, including the influence of doo-wop era Black/Latino soul singers on Rock-n-Roll as well as many other genres.
In honor of Black Music Month, here’s a list of reasons why this documentary should be on your watchlist.
First, the project is directed by a musical historian as Vance is an acclaimed producer/singer/songwriter who had a first-hand view and cut his teeth in the game alongside many of best to ever do it, including Little Anthony and the Imperials and Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers. With his fellow members of Jay and the Americans, he opened for iconic bands of yesteryear like the Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
Secondly, the documentary film is not only illuminating from a historical perspective, it is also delightfully entertaining. Vance and a long list of commentators share recollections of humorous and remarkable moments from the 1950s and 60s. The history they collectively share provokes a vast array of emotions, creatively coupling the viewing audience to the artists in a profound way. It makes for a splendid experience even through some of its heartfelt cautionary tales.
Lastly, film is, for the most part, a poignant tale of dreams coming true against all odds in the face of the racial discrimination and bigotry. The exceptional talent of the artists highlighted allowed their musical works to at least momentarily bring people together at a time when the powers that were worked tirelessly to keep them apart.
Heart & Soul: A Love Story is inspiring and should be a must-see for not only today’s artists and music lovers, but for those who have yet to be born in the many generations to come. The film is beautiful from start to finish, but isn’t that the way we want every love story to be?
Be’n Original
