HBO's 'STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.' earns two Emmy nominations
A documentary about Memphis-own Stax Records is nominated for two Emmys in the upcoming award season.
"STAX: Soulsville U.S.A" received two Emmy nods when nominations for the 76th Primetime Emmys where announced Wednesday, July 17. The documentary mini-series showcases the history of Stax Records as it launched the careers of countless artists others over the years.
Here is what to know about the miniseries and its nominations.
What is 'STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.?'
The documentary series is a four part show that showcases the work Stax Records has done over the years to launch the careers of Black artists including Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & The M.G.’s, and Sam & Dave, and more. It first aired on May 20, 2024
"Through archival performance footage and intimate interviews, STAX: Soulsville, U.S.A. chronicles the musicians, songwriters, and producers who smashed racial barriers and created the signature Stax sound that defined an era," HBO said in describing the series.
What is 'Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.' nominated for?
The mini docuseries grabbed two Emmy nominations. It is nominated for "Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series" and "Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program."
Nominees for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series:
"Beckham"
"Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV"
"STAX: Soulsville U.S.A."
"Telemarketers"
"The Jinx - Part Two"
Nominees for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program:
"Jim Henson Idea Man"
"Planet Earth III"
"STAX: Soulsville U.S.A."
"Steve! (Martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces"
"The Beach Boys"
Where to watch 'Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.?'
All episodes are available for streaming on max, formerly known as HBO MAX.
'STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.' episode guide
"Chapter One: Cause I Love You": Named for the father-and-daughter duet by Rufus and Carla Thomas that gave Memphis' new record company its first hit in 1960. "With humble beginnings in Memphis in the late 1950s, Stax Records quickly becomes one of the most influential record labels on the Black music scene, breaking out iconic artists including Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MG’s, and Otis Redding. With growing popularity in the Black market, Stax executives and musicians were determined to transcend racial divides and bring their music into the American mainstream."
"Chapter Two: Soul Man": "Stax Records finally breaks through to the white market, with their crossover hit 'Soul Man' and Otis Redding’s performance at the Monterey Pop Festival. But Redding’s untimely death, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., legal obstacles, and ongoing racial tensions in Memphis reveal cracks in the surface at the company."
"Chapter Three: Respect Yourself": "After the tragic death of Otis Redding and the Atlantic Records merger that left Stax in the dust, Stax promotions director Al Bell steps up to save the company, releasing hit records such as 'Soul Limbo' and 'Who’s Making Love?' Stax puts their efforts behind Isaac Hayes, who receives Grammy and Oscar awards for his work composing the music and theme song for the 1971 box office smash hit 'Shaft.'"
"Chapter Four: Nothing Takes the Place of You": "By the 1970s, Stax is in its prime and decides to give back to the Black community in Los Angeles by putting on the Wattstax benefit concert in 1972 and recording the event as a documentary. However, not long after, money troubles plague the company when their bank goes under and drags Stax down with them, forcing the company to shutter its doors."
HBO's 'STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.': Director recounts triumph, tragedy of legendary Memphis soul label
When are the Emmy Awards?
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place Sept. 15 and will be broadcasted by ABC (8 pm EDT/5 pm PDT).
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Emmy nominations: Documentary about Memphis' Stax Records earns nods
