Only the Strong Survive

Documentary filmmakers D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus and journalist Roger Friedman had a mission: to catch up with the great soul singers of the 1960s and early 1970s. Many of the legends of soul died at a early age: Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and practically all of the Temptations. But those who are still alive have been largely ignored since their youth--until now. The Pennebaker team put together a concert of the great soul survivors, reuniting many of the stars under the influential Stax record label, including: Wilson Pickett, Jerry Butler, Mary Wison, the Chi-Lites, Sam Moore and Carla and Rufus Thomas. The result is a musical celebration of soul and a glimpse into the skewed world of the music industry.