The Memphis Masters: Big Star (Episode 6)

The 180-gram vinyl reissues of “#1 Record” and “Radio City” now available at the Stax Records online store: https://found.ee/bigstar-staxstore-r

Episode 6 of The Memphis Masters video series focuses on quintessential power-pop band Big Star and their influential 1972 debut album "#1 Record," as well as the 1974 follow-up "Radio City," considered to be milestones in the history of rock by critics and musicians alike. The episode features interviews with sole surviving Big Star member, drummer Jody Stephens, recording artists Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Van Duren (Loveland Duren & Baker Street Regulars), Steve Selvidge (The Hold Steady), Chris Milam; and producer Boo Mitchell.

The Memphis band was formed in 1971 by singer-songwriters Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, drummer Jody Stephens and bassist Andy Hummel. Heavily influenced by the British Invasion yet markedly original, Big Star offered a distinctly new sound characterized by driving, jangly guitars; sweet, anthemic harmonies and innocently melancholic lyrics. Although "#1 Record" and "Radio City" failed to strike commercial success initially, Big Star became an underground favorite, influencing some the biggest alt-rock artists of the ’80s, ’90s and beyond, including R.E.M., Teenage Fanclub, Wilco, and the Replacements (who famously penned the song “Alex Chilton” as an ode to Big Star’s frontman).

Y'all ain't heard Memphis like this!

@CraftRecordings @MemphisVinyl @MemphisTravel @StaxRecords
Special thanks to @thefilmjerk and @TakeOutVinyl

@bigstar @remhq @m_millsey @vandurenmusic @theholdsteady @chrismilammusic @boomitchellmemphis @ardentstudios

#TheMemphisMasters #StaxRecords #CraftRecordings #BigStar #1Record #RadioCity

www.staxrecords.com

Directed by Andrew Trent Fleming of thefilmjerk media
Executive Producers: Laura Sáez and Brandon Seavers
Producers: Catrina Traylor, Jeff Powell, and Andrew Trent Fleming
Consulting Producer: Michele Smith
In Partnership with: Craft Recordings, Stax Records, Memphis Pressing Plant and Memphis Tourism with special thanks to Take Out Vinyl

The Memphis Masters is a limited video series celebrating various albums from the iconic Stax Records label, showcasing its enduring musical legacy, as well as its influence on Memphis, TN. Created in partnership with Memphis Record Pressing and Memphis Tourism, and directed by Andrew Trent Fleming of TheFilmJerk Media, the multi-part series was shot in several locations around the city—also known as the home of blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll—including such historic landmarks as Sam Phillips Recording Service, Royal Studios and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. With interviews spanning multiple generations of artists, The Memphis Masters offers insight from the likes of Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Grace Potter, Matt Berninger (The National), Walshy Fire (Major Lazer), Steve Selvidge (The Hold Steady) and producer Boo Mitchell—all of whom were inspired by the label’s music and the albums being reissued. The Memphis Masters also includes interviews with Stax legends like Steve Cropper, Jody Stephens (Big Star), James Alexander (The Bar-Kays) and Booker T. Jones, plus longtime label publicist Deanie Parker and songwriter Bettye Crutcher, who share their memories from the label’s heyday.
 
Each episode revolves around an album or collection from a singular artist or group on Stax’s roster, starting with Melting Pot from Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Other titles covered include Gotta Groove from The Bar-Kays, Home from husband-and-wife songwriting duo Delaney & Bonnie, Who’s Making Love from Johnnie Taylor and Victim of the Joke?... An Opera from acclaimed producer and songwriter David Porter. The series takes a broader view of The Staple Singers, who have been honored with a deluxe, seven-LP box set, Come Go With Me: The Stax Collection, available now. All of the standalone titles have been cut from their original analog tapes by Jeff Powell at Memphis’ Take Out Vinyl and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Memphis Record Pressing and are in stores now.