Watch Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs Of Bob Dylan

Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs Of Bob Dylan is a 2006 documentary film directed by Michael Borntreger that explores the personal and religious journey of American singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan, through his gospel music era. The film features interviews with some of the biggest names in gospel music, as well as rare footage of Dylan performing live during his gospel tours.

Divided into 13 chapters, the film takes an in-depth look at Dylan's evolution from a young musician known for his protest songs to a born-again Christian who passionately sang about his faith. The documentary starts with Dylan's upbringing and early musical career, highlighting his transition from folk music to rock and roll, and covers his decision to embrace Christianity in the late 1970s.

The film's interviews with gospel music legends such as Shirley Caesar, the Fairfield Four, Aaron Neville, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy provide insight into how Dylan's gospel music influenced the gospel music genre, and how his songs resonated with audiences across different backgrounds. The film's soundtrack features performances of Dylan's gospel songs by contemporary artists who credit him as an influence on their own music, including Bob Dylan himself, the Fairfield Four, and Aaron Neville.

Throughout the film, we see how Dylan infused his religious beliefs into his music, resulting in powerful and moving songs that still resonate with audiences today. The documentary features a mix of live concert footage and interviews with industry experts, providing a rounded and engaging discussion of Dylan's music.

The film explores Dylan's motivations and his message, as well as the controversy that surrounded him during his gospel music era. The filmmakers also include footage of protests by some of Dylan's fans, who felt that his conversion to Christianity and his gospel music was a betrayal. Through interviews with Dylan's colleagues and friends, the documentary addresses the singer's refusal to comment on the controversy, choosing to focus on the music and his faith instead.

Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs Of Bob Dylan provides an enlightening and entertaining view of Dylan's music and religious transformation, highlighting the importance of faith in his music and the impact of his gospel songs. The documentary is an inspiring and moving portrait of an artist who defied expectations and found new inspiration through his beliefs.

In conclusion, Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs Of Bob Dylan is a must-see documentary for any fan of Bob Dylan or gospel music. It provides a fascinating and insightful look into the singer's religious journey and the genesis of his powerful gospel songs. The documentary is both educational and entertaining, showcasing the impact of Dylan's music on the gospel music genre and the lasting effect of his songs on audiences worldwide.

Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs Of Bob Dylan is a 2018 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.