Watch For the Love of the Music: The Club 47 Folk Revival

For the Love of the Music: The Club 47 Folk Revival is a 2012 documentary film that captures the essence of the folk music movement that emerged from Cambridge, Massachusetts during the 1960s. Spanning over two decades, the film narrates the story of Club 47, a legendary music venue that was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of the most iconic folk musicians of our time.

The film boasts a star-studded cast of folk music legends, including Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Tom Rush, and Geoff Muldaur. Director/producer Todd Kwait, along with co-director/producer Rob Stegman, expertly crafts a seamless narrative that interweaves the testimonies of these folk music greats with never-before-seen footage of live performances.

Through the lens of Club 47, the film showcases the transformational effect that folk music had on American society during a period of intensifying socio-political change. Those who performed at the club played an integral role in shaping the popular consciousness of the time, using their lyrics and melodies to both reflect and inspire the social and cultural upheaval of the era.

As an ode to the magical era of folk music and a tribute to the cultural significance of Club 47, the film details the musical collaborations and friendships that formed in the club's smoky, intimate setting. We witness some of the most iconic performances of the time, and we hear the stories behind the legendary songs.

The film also highlights the significant role that women played in the folk music movement, from the early days of the club's existence. Joan Baez, a frequent performer at Club 47, is one of the most renowned folk singers of all time and features extensively in the film. The documentary sheds light on Baez's career, her social and political activism, and her early years at Club 47.

Aside from Baez, the film features interviews with other notable women who left their mark on the folk music scene. It highlights the contributions of Judy Collins, whose angelic voice and poetic lyricism captured the hearts of countless folk fans. The film also pays tribute to other women who were influential in their own right, including Jackie Washington, who was the first African American woman to sing at Club 47, and Maria Muldaur, who began her career at Club 47 and went on to record some of the most beloved folk songs of all time.

Overall, For the Love of the Music: The Club 47 Folk Revival is a beautifully crafted love letter to folk music and the immense cultural significance of Club 47. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of American music and the captivating performers who breathed life into the folk music scene.

For the Love of the Music: The Club 47 Folk Revival is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.