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The Memphis Masters is a limited video series celebrating various albums from the iconic Stax Records label, showcasing its enduring musical legacy, as well as its influence on Memphis, TN. Created in partnership with Memphis Record Pressing and Memphis Tourism, and directed by Andrew Trent Fleming of TheFilmJerk Media, the multi-part series was shot in several locations around the city—also known as the home of blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll—including such historic landmarks as Sam Phillips Recording Service, Royal Studios and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

With interviews spanning multiple generations of artists, The Memphis Masters offers insight from the likes of Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Grace Potter, Matt Berninger (The National), Walshy Fire (Major Lazer), Steve Selvidge (The Hold Steady) and producer Boo Mitchell—all of whom were inspired by the label’s music and the albums being reissued. The Memphis Masters also includes interviews with Stax legends like Steve Cropper, Jody Stephens (Big Star), James Alexander (the Bar-Kays) and Booker T. Jones, plus longtime label publicist Deanie Parker and songwriter Bettye Crutcher, who share their memories from the label’s heyday.

Each episodeavailable on YouTube—will revolve around an album or collection from a singular artist or group on Stax’s roster, starting with Melting Pot from Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Other titles covered include Gotta Groove from The Bar-Kays, Home from husband-and-wife songwriting duo Delaney & Bonnie, Who’s Making Love from Johnnie Taylor and Victim of the Joke?...An Opera from acclaimed producer and songwriter David Porter. The series will take a broader view of The Staple Singers, who will be honored with a deluxe, seven-LP box set, Come Go With Me: The Stax Collection, available in early 2020.

All of the standalone titles have been cut from their original analog tapes by Jeff Powell at Memphis’ Take Out Vinyl and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Memphis Record Pressing. The single albums are all available now, online and at record stores.

Directed by Andrew Trent Fleming of thefilmjerk media Executive Producers: Brandon Seavers and Laura Sáez Producers: Catrina Traylor, Jeff Powell, and Andrew Trent Fleming Consulting Producer: Michele Smith In Partnership with: Craft Recordings, Stax Records, Memphis Pressing Plant and Memphis Tourism with special thanks to Take Out Vinyl


The Memphis Masters: Booker T. & the M.G.’s Melting Pot (Episode 1)

This soulful series celebrates various albums from the iconic Stax Records label, showcasing its enduring musical legacy, as well as its influence on Memphis, TN.  The premiere episode of The Memphis Masters focuses on Booker T. & the M.G.’s Melting Pot, which marked the group’s final studio album to feature their classic lineup (Booker T. Jones on keyboards, Steve Cropper on guitar, Donald “Duck” Dunn on bass and Al Jackson Jr. on drums).


The Memphis Masters: The Bar-Kays - Gotta Groove (Episode 2)

This soulful series celebrates various albums from the iconic Stax Records label, showcasing its enduring musical legacy, as well as its influence on Memphis, TN. Ep. 2 of The Memphis Masters focuses on The Bar-Kays Gotta Groove, which marked the group’s first release featuring the new lineup in 1969, and it stands as a testament to their resilience and talent.


The Memphis Masters: Delaney & Bonnie - Home (Episode 3)

This soulful series celebrates various albums from the iconic Stax Records label, showcasing its enduring musical legacy, as well as its influence on Memphis, TN. Ep. 3 of The Memphis Masters focuses on Delaney & Bonnie’s 1969 Stax debut album Home, including interviews with William Bell, Marcus King, Steve Cropper and Amy Jackson, who tell the story of this timeless recording.


The Memphis Masters: Johnnie Taylor - Who's Making Love (Episode 4)

This soulful series celebrates various albums from the iconic Stax Records label, showcasing its enduring musical legacy, as well as its influence on Memphis, TN. Ep. 4 of The Memphis Masters focuses on Johnnie Taylor’s 1968 Stax album Who’s Making Love, including interviews with Bettye Crutcher, Steve Cropper, Walshy Fire, Victor Wooten, and Boo Mitchell.


The Memphis Masters: The Staple Singers (Episode 5)

Episode 5 of The Memphis Masters video series focuses on the impact of the legendary group, The Staple Singers, and the albums included in the newly released 7-LP deluxe box set, Come Go With Me: The Stax Collection. The episode features interviews with Stax legend Steve Cropper, longtime label publicist Deanie Parker, guitarist/engineer Bobby Manuel, producer Boo Mitchell, and recording artists Grace PotterValerie June and Victor Wooten


The Memphis Masters: Big Star (Episode 6)

Episode 6 of The Memphis Masters video series focuses on quintessential power-pop band Big Star and their influential 1972 debut album #1 Record, as well as the 1974 follow-up Radio City, considered to be milestones in the history of rock by critics and musicians alike. The episode features interviews with sole surviving Big Star member, drummer Jody Stephens, recording artists Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Van Duren, Steve Selvidge (The Hold Steady), Chris Milam, and producer Boo Mitchell.