Since 1979, June has been Black Music Appreciation Month.
In honor of the month, KRLD is taking a look at five of the best movies that celebrate Black musicians.
For this list, we focused solely on feature-length movies, not documentaries or series. That being said, Audacy has an excellent list of documentary recommendations.
Straight Outta Compton, 2015
Based on the true story of rap group N.W.A who helped pioneer gangsta rap, Straight Outta Compton sees six young men from California push the accepted boundaries of rap as they try to express themselves in a repressive society that snubbed its nose at the genre.
O'Shea Jackson Jr. stars as a spitting image of his father Ice Cube (N.W.A founding member), alongside Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr., Aldis Hodge, and Brandon Lafourch to make up the famed group.
Straight Outta Compton addresses an important crossroads in modern music and society and is a gripping watch. It can be rented via Amazon Prime Video.
Ray, 2014
A performance that won lead Jamie Foxx an Oscar, Ray documents the life of rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles. After losing his sight as a child, Ray (aka The Genius) turned to music - through which he was ultimately propelled to fame and fortune.
Hampered along the way by his drug addiction and issues in his personal life, Charles had to navigate these hurdles before ultimately blazing a trail for people like him to follow.
Ray can be watched via subscription via Peacock TV.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, 2020
The last movie of Chadwick Boseman's remarkable but tragically short career, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom follows its namesake, played by the one-and-only Viola Davis, as she sets about a recording session fraught with tension.
Set in 1920s Chicago, the gold-toothed "Mother of the Blues" is tasked with balancing commercial pressures and growing frustrations from within her band regarding the new trumpeter, Levee Green (Boseman).
Produced by Denzel Washington among others, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom can be streamed via subscription on Netflix - after which you should go and find the movie's namesake song.
Bird, 1988
Forest Whitaker takes on the task of portraying renowned jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. Bird follows Parker's career as his star rises, mental health deteriorates and his addictions take their toll.
Directed by Clint Eastwood, Bird was not a financial success and as such seems to have gone largely forgotten. However, for any jazz fans out there you'd be well advised to take the time to watch and enjoy.
Bird can be rented on Amazon Prime Video.
Bessie, 2015
If you enjoy Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and find yourself wanting more blues then look no further. Queen Latifah portrays "The Empress Of Blues," Bessie Smith, as she navigates a tough childhood, issues in her love life, racism, and The Great Depression.
Also, keep an eye out along the way for guidance from a certain Ma Rainey.
Featuring a cast that includes Michael K. Williams, Mo'Nique, and Charles Dutton, Bessie can be streamed via subscription on HBO Max.
Local Lead
EpicCentral in Grand Prairie will be hosting the first of their three summer Movies On The Lawn on Thursday, June 9th. This screening of Raya and the Last Dragon will begin at sunset and take place on an inflatable screen. Admission is free, and if you miss this one then you can always attend their screening of Sing 2 on July 7th or Encanto on August 4th.
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