In 1963 German filmmaker Dietrich Wawzyn set out to shoot a series of films for German television that took him through the southern US in search of American jazz and roots music. He contacted Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz, who jumped at the chance to join him and share his enthusiasm for regional musical traditions. Wawzyn made three films dealing with blues, gospel, and hillbilly music. The negatives to those films were lost. This film recreates the journey from the best elements still available and includes much previously unreleased footage.
Jesse Fuller
Lightnin' Hopkins
Lowell Fulson
Red Sovine
King Louis H. Narcisse
Mance Lipscomb
Chief White Cloud
Black Ace
Reverend Louis Overstreet
Sweet Emma Barrett
Barbara Dane
Blind James Campbell
Whistlin’ Alex Moore
Lewis Family
Willie Thomas
Shorty LeBlanc
Ed Lee Natay
Hodges Brothers
Eddie Schaible
J. E. Mainer
Willis Brothers