Watch A Vision Shared: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly

A Vision Shared: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly is a 1988 musical documentary that portrays the legacy of two of the most influential American folk musicians of the 20th century; Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. The movie showcases a series of iconic tracks and interviews with some of the most prominent artists of the time who were influenced by their music.

The film takes a nostalgic look at the lives and musical contributions of Guthrie and Leadbelly, tracing their roots from the early 20th century to their influence on today's artists.

The movie features interviews with Bono, Bob Dylan, Ahmet Ertegun, and Arlo Guthrie, among many others, providing deep insights into the lives of these legends and their enduring influences on contemporary culture. They share their fondest memories, most meaningful anecdotes, and anecdotes about the impact of Guthrie and Leadbelly's music on their writing and performance style.

The film traces their lives from the Dust Bowl era to the post-war America, showcasing their contributions that transformed American music while advocating for human rights and social justice. The movie highlights Leadbelly’s deep roots in the southern blues and Guthrie’s influence on the protest movement of the 1960s.

The movie is a fantastic showcase of some of their most iconic tracks from their bodies of work. For instance, Dylan performs his version of “Pretty Boy Floyd,” which is followed by Arlo Guthrie’s rendition of “This Land is Your Land.” Bono, the lead singer of U2, pays tribute to Leadbelly with his rendition of “Midnight Special.”

The film also includes performances of some of their lesser-known songs, which serve as an ode to their incredible bodies of work. The interviews with Ertegun and other label executives also provide insight into their strained relationships with major labels, who often took credit or profited from their work without giving them the recognition and royalties they deserved.

The documentary is peppered with insightful anecdotes, heartwarming stories, and historical context, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in American music history. The movie showcases the crucial role that music played in shaping American culture and fighting against injustice, racism, and oppression.

In conclusion, A Vision Shared: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly is an informative and entertaining documentary that pays tribute to two of the most influential and essential figures in American music history. It is a must-watch for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking to gain a broader understanding of the cultural and political contexts of the era.

A Vision Shared: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.