HBO's 'STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.': How to watch, stream new series on Memphis music company
"STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.," an eagerly awaited HBO documentary series chronicling the rise, fall and legacy of the world-shaking Memphis music company that showcased Otis Redding, Carla Thomas and Isaac Hayes, is about to hit the small screen.
The four-part documentary series debuts Monday, May 20, (8 p.m. Central) on HBO with two episodes airing back-to-back, followed by the final two episodes airing back-to-back on Tuesday, May 21, at the same time. All four episodes will also be available to stream on Max on May 20.
An official selection of the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival and winner of the TV Premiere Audience Award, “STAX: Soulsville, U.S.A.” was produced and directed by filmmaker Jamila Wignot.
'STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.' episode guide
"Chapter One: Cause I Love You": 8 p.m. Monday, May 20. Named for the father-and-daughter duet by Rufus and Carla Thomas that gave Memphis' new record company its first hit in 1960. Synopsis: "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": 9 p.m. Monday, May 20. Synopsis: "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."
STAX STARS ON STAGE: Memphis music stage at RiverBeat Music Festival rocks with Stax and soul greats
"Chapter Three: Respect Yourself": 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. Synopsis: "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": 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. Synopsis: "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."
EXPLORING MEMPHIS' MUSIC HISTORY: Six museums you should visit, from Graceland to Stax
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: HBO's STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.: How to watch, stream new series