Some historical violence and violent acts associated with the civil rights era are discussed and shown in archival footage. Otis Redding's death is described as the catalyst for his most successful song.
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Stax music is available for purchase or streaming, but otherwise no products are featured.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Focuses on a mindfully integrated business/record label that became intertwined with the civil rights movement in the 1960s. White co-founder Jim Stewart quickly pivoted from recording White country artists after realizing there was a wealth of talented Black singers and musicians in his midst; co-founder Estelle Axton hired and mentored Black employees at a time when segregation was the norm in the U.S. South. The N-word is sometimes heard in archival footage and audio. The Black artists are treated like heroes in Europe but deal with racism in the U.S. Director Jamila Wignot is Black.
Messages about community, authenticity, and compassion.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Artists featured show bravery, loyalty, ingenuity, and creativity.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. is a docuseries about the legendary 1960s–'70s Memphis record label that launched the careers of Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and many others. At a time when segregation and racism were givens in the U.S. South, Stax was an intentionally integrated business/record label. The series interviews many of the major players who are still alive from the time, focusing on how specific songs and sounds developed, and how the label's evolution was intertwined with the civil rights movement. Expect some language, including the N-word, and footage and descriptions of racist encounters. Also expect lots of positive messages about community, authenticity, and compassion.
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What's the Story?
STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. takes an in-depth look at the rise and fall of the label that launched the careers of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, and others. The documentary tells the stories behind some of Stax's most beloved songs, as well as the development of the "Memphis Sound."
In telling the story of a great record label, this docuseries also provides a view on the civil rights movement and the early 1970s through the lens of Memphis, Tennessee. The stories in Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. about classic songs and artists take on a deeper poignance when they're placed in historical context, and it's easy to see how they still influence American culture 60 years later.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Stax story intertwines with the story of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. What are some examples of music being a part of American history? Why do you think it can be so important?
How familiar were you with the Stax label or the artists featured before watching the documentary? Which songs do you know or like? Did you know any of the stories behind them?
How does the "Memphis Sound" compare to the sound of other music and labels of the era? What are some of the musical elements that made Stax records unique?
What were the good and bad business decisions that Stax made along the way? How did they affect the popularity of the music and the success of the label?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
