Watch The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack

The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack, released in 2000, is a documentary film that revolves around the life and times of the legendary folk musician, Ramblin' Jack Elliott. The movie is an ode to the man who spent his entire life on the road and left an indelible mark on the folk music scene. Directed by Aiyana Elliott, the movie features a host of artists, including Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, Kris Kristofferson, and others, who share their thoughts on Ramblin' Jack's music, his personality, and his legacy.

The documentary begins with Ramblin' Jack getting ready for one of his performances. We see him putting on his cowboy hat, grabbing his guitar, and heading out to the stage. The movie then takes us back to Ramblin' Jack's early years, where we learn about his childhood, his love for music, and his desire to travel.

Through interviews with family members and friends, we discover that Ramblin' Jack was born Elliot Charles Adnopoz in Brooklyn, New York. His father was a doctor, who wanted him to follow in his footsteps, but Ramblin' Jack had other plans. He was drawn to the cowboy lifestyle and wanted to live a life on the open road.

The movie then delves into Ramblin' Jack's early career as a musician. He was heavily influenced by the music of Woody Guthrie, and he traveled all over the country, performing at cafes and bars. However, it wasn't until he met Guthrie himself that he truly found his calling.

We learn about Ramblin' Jack's relationship with Woody Guthrie and how it helped him develop as an artist. We see footage of the two of them together, and we hear stories from people who were there at the time.

As the documentary progresses, we see Ramblin' Jack become a star in his own right. He records several albums, including his seminal work, "Ramblin' Jack Elliott Sings Songs by Woody Guthrie and Jimmie Rodgers," which is considered a classic in the folk music genre.

The documentary also covers Ramblin' Jack's personal life. We learn about his marriages and his children, including his daughter Aiyana, who directed the movie. We also see glimpses of Ramblin' Jack's personality, which is equal parts charming and cantankerous.

Throughout the movie, we hear from a diverse array of artists who were influenced by Ramblin' Jack's music. Bob Dylan speaks about how Ramblin' Jack inspired him to pursue a career in music. Arlo Guthrie talks about the importance of Ramblin' Jack's music to his family. Kris Kristofferson reflects on how Ramblin' Jack's music influenced him as a songwriter.

The documentary also includes several live performances from Ramblin' Jack, which showcase his incredible talent as a musician. We see him playing for crowds of adoring fans, and we hear the stories behind some of his most beloved songs.

Overall, The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack is a moving tribute to a man who spent his entire life on the road, playing music and living his dream. It's a must-see for anyone who loves folk music or wants to learn more about one of its most iconic figures.

The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack is a 2000 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 72.