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Deep Dive: Deep Blues (1992)

Film Lens

Deep Blues
Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to the Crossroads is a documentary that focuses on Delta blues and North Mississippi hill country blues. The film was made by Robert Palmer and Robert Mugge, with production taking place in 1990 across Memphis, Tennessee, and various North Mississippi counties. It features insights from Palmer, who serves as a guide and narrator, providing historical context to the music and its origins. The documentary includes performances from notable musicians such as R. L. Burnside, Jessie Mae Hemphill, and Junior Kimbrough. It revitalized the recording careers of several artists featured in the film. The film was released theatrically in 1991, followed by a home video release in the UK in 1992 and a consumer edition in the US in 2000.

Why Watch

  • Meet R. L. Burnside and Jessie Mae Hemphill in performance.
  • See the cultural roots of Delta blues music.
  • Find out about the history of North Mississippi hill country blues.

Did You Know

The film was released theatrically in 1991 and on home video in 1992.
Filming took place in 1990 in Memphis and various North Mississippi counties.
Robert Stewart financed the project, inspired by Palmer's 1981 book.
The film features musicians like R. L. Burnside and Jessie Mae Hemphill.

Perfect For

Blues music fansMusic history enthusiastsDocumentary lovers