Watch America's Musical Journey

America's Musical Journey is a 2018 documentary film that takes a captivating look at the rich history of American music and how it has shaped the country's cultural landscape. Hosted by the talented musician Jon Batiste, the film takes the audience on a journey through America's musical past, present, and future. The film starts in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, where Batiste introduces us to the city's historic music scene. We see lively footage of street performers and jazz musicians performing in iconic venues, like Preservation Hall. Batiste goes through the history of jazz from its inception to its evolution as a global phenomenon, documenting its influence on generations of artists.

From there, the film travels to Memphis, Tennessee, to explore the history of blues, soul, and R&B. The documentary showcases the rich musical heritage of Memphis with visits to iconic locations like Beale Street and Graceland. We see interviews with music legends such as Bobby Rush, Mavis Staples, and B.B. King's family, who share their thoughts on the impact that the city's music has had on the world.

Next up is Chicago, where we dive into the influential Chicago blues scene. The city's musical legacy is explored with touching interviews with blues pioneers Buddy Guy and Shemekia Copeland. Additionally, the film takes a closer look at Chicago's role in the development of rock and roll and hip-hop.

As the film moves forward, the audience gets an intimate look at the birth of Motown in Detroit, Michigan. Here, we learn about its founder, Berry Gordy, and the musicians who played a significant role in its success, such as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. We get a glimpse of how Motown changed the face of popular music in America and beyond.

The film then heads to New York City, where it takes a closer look at Broadway's influence on American music with interviews featuring the likes of Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. and iconic performer Cindy Lauper. Additionally, the documentary explores the rise of hip-hop culture as a musical genre that emerged in the Bronx and affected the world like never before.

The film's stunning visuals and excellent music make it an enjoyable watch for anyone looking to dive into the fascinating and complex world of American music. America's Musical Journey also reveals some of the behind-the-scenes processes that go into creating music and how the country's musical past continues to inspire new generations of artists.

The documentary concludes by showcasing how America's musical legacy is inspiring and shaping the future of music. We see examples of this with the viral sensation Lil Buck, who is drawing on his city's musical heritage to create a unique style of dance that has taken the world by storm.

In conclusion, America's Musical Journey is a brilliant and insightful film that offers a unique perspective on the evolution of American music. The film has something for everyone, whether you're a music lover or a casual viewer. It's a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intricate and fascinating history of American music.

America's Musical Journey is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.