DOC Compulsory Purchase and Compensation by Barry Denyer-Green in Arts-Photography

Description

The story of Stax Records unfolds like a Greek tragedy. A white brother and sister build a record company that becomes a monument to racial harmony in 1960s segregated south Memphis. Their success is startling; and Stax soon defines an international sound. Then; after losses both business and personal; the siblings part; and the brother allies with a visionary African-American partner. Under integrated leadership; Stax explodes as a national player until; Icarus-like; they fall from great heights to a tragic demise. Everything is lost; and the sanctuary that flourished is ripped from the ground. A generation later; Stax is rebuilt brick by brick to once again bring music and opportunity to the people of Memphis. Set in the world of 1960s and 70s soul music; Respect Yourself is a story of epic heroes in a shady industry. Its about music and musicians -- Isaac Hayes; Otis Redding; Sam and Dave; Wilson Pickett; the Staple Singers; and Booker T. and the M.G.s; Staxs interracial house band. Its about a small independent companys struggle to survive in a business world of burgeoning conglomerates. And always at the center of the story is Memphis; Tennessee; an explosive city struggling through heated; divisive years. Told by one of our leading music chroniclers; Respect Yourself brings to life this treasured cultural institution and the city that created it.