Morgan Freeman Hosts Sound Revolution
Some exciting news about our programming today - especially if you’re a music fan. We have a new series premiering this Sunday at 8 PM. It’s called Smithsonian Channel’s Sound Revolution and it’s hosted by Morgan Freeman.
Morgan Freeman Knows His Music
During the six episodes, we take a close look at (and listen to) some uniquely American music - blues, soul, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll - all of it born within a couple of hundred miles of either side of the Mississippi River. The musicians from these areas, often from impoverished, downtrodden backgrounds, were central to these momentous musical developments.
The first two episodes focus on the blues which were born in the Mississippi Delta over 100 years ago and form the basis for much modern rock. Episodes three and four trace the early decades of jazz and how it evolved during the post war decades; finally episodes five and six follow growth of soul music in the 1950s and provide a history of 60s and 70s soul by profiling important record labels and their artists.
The show features documentary footage and interviews with many musical legends where they discuss the influences of their communities and the impact of other traditional American music on their work. And most importantly, you’ll see some incredible performances including B.B. King, Ike Tuner, Buddy Guy, Etta James, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Robert Cray, Miles Davis, The Neville Brothers and many others.
It’s an impressive lineup. And don’t forget, Smithsonian Channel is an HD channel so you’ll see every drop of sweat and pick of the guitar better than if you were there in person.
Tags: Sound Revolution
November 19th, 2008 at 10:24 am
When will SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL’S “SOUND REVOLUTION” be available on DVD?
November 19th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Steve, it will probably be a while since the series is just premiering on Smithsonian Channel but check back on our main website, http://www.smithsonianchannel.com in a few months to see if it’s out on DVD or available on iTunes.
November 19th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I saw the first episode last night and I have to say I only have one problem with the show. It’s only an hour long! What a great show, what a great host. I wish this were more than just these six episodes. Bravo Smithsonian Channel ! ! !
November 23rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I know this is a really lame question, BUT… do you know if Comcast in Frederick MD will carry the Smithsonian Channel anytime soon?
December 7th, 2008 at 11:33 am
This is the best show on television. i cant wait for the DVD series.
December 7th, 2008 at 11:36 am
This is the best program on television. I cant wait until the series is on DVD.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:35 am
This show is great because it is packed full of information. No commercial breaks to allow lazy producers to rehash the previous 22 minutes of show. I especially like the fact that they show an entire track, not just snippets of this and that. The whole track of Herbie Hancock playing Cantaloupe Island is a great example.
This is what television should be. I know I’m glad I bought my HD because of this show.
December 13th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
WOW, what a fantastic show. I came looking to see if I could get it on DVD to give to my sister (a high school music teacher) for Chrismas.
Too bad it won’t work for this year - but then again I already know what to get her next year.
December 29th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Just before Christmas there was an episode which featured an artist whose name I can’t find on Amazon. I must have this wrong, but I remember her name being Selena James. Can someone correct me on the name so that I can purchase some of her music?
Great series!
December 29th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Does anyone know where to get a list of the artists that appear in each segment?
January 10th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Keith, do you mean Leela James?
January 21st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Since we’ve had a few questions about the wonderful performances on Sound Revolutions we’ve decided to add a “setlist”. If you go to the show page on the main website you can download a list of performances by episode. Thanks for the comments!
Link: http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/smithsonian/show_sound_revolution.do
February 8th, 2009 at 12:58 am
What happened to the set list??
Really great program
Nice work!
February 8th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Just watched Sound Revolution “blues” last evening. Most excellent with one possible disappointment, and perhaps he is in another installment, but WHY was Albert King omitted. He was an equally strong pioneer of the blues guitar, and influenced just as many guitarists as those mentioned.
February 9th, 2009 at 9:28 am
John, you can link directly to the set list by clicking on the url below or if you scroll down to the bottom of the page that Gina linked to which is the Sound Revolution Show Page you will see a link. Glad to hear you enjoyed the show! http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/smithsonian/pdf/sound_revolution_Setlist.pdf
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I would have bought 3 DVD sets for Christmas. Will Sound Revolution be available on DVD?