“People love music because it’s … playing the thing that we all know is unfolding, whether we want to accept it or not,” says Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste in his Oscar-nominated 2023 Netflix documentary, American Symphony. The “thing” Batiste refers to is the certainty of hardships in life — and his documentary, produced by the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions, indeed celebrates his incredible success but also reveals the personal and professional struggles of him and his wife, Suleika Jaouad.
American Symphony is among a collection of 1o music documentaries on Netflix featuring the stories of Black men who are supernovas in the music industry. Miles Davis, The Notorious B.I.G., Kanye West, Quincy Jones, Travis Scott, Bob Marley, Harry Belafonte, and more are joining Batiste.
These films not only delve into these Black men’s personal and professional lives but also demonstrate the transformative power of music and provide a deeper understanding of some of the more significant cultural and social dynamics that shape America and our world.
Devil at the Crossroads: A Robert Johnson Story | 2019 | Director: Brian Oakes
This investigation delves into the myth and music of Robert Johnson, whose blues guitar work laid the foundation for much of modern music. This documentary is critical for understanding the roots of blues and its influence on music history.
The Two Killings of Sam Cooke | 2019 | Director: Kelly Duane De La Vega
De La Vega explores the life and mysterious death of the soul singer and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. It underscores the risks artists take when they use their platform for activism.
The Black Godfather | 2019 | Director: Reginald Hudlin
Hudlin highlights the life of Clarence Avant, a behind-the-scenes kingmaker in the music, entertainment and political worlds. It’s essential for understanding the power of mentorship, networking, and influence in breaking racial barriers and fostering the careers of numerous icons.
Quincy |2018 | Director: Alan Hicks, Rashida Jones
Hicks and actress and Quincy’s daughter Rashida, delve into the life of legendary music producer and composer Quincy Jones. His story is a master class in creativity, resilience, and the evolution of American music across many decades, making it crucial for music lovers and creators alike.
Miles Davis: Birth of Cool | 2019 | Director: Stanley Nelson Jr.
MacArthur Fellow Stanley Nelson Jr. captures the essence of one of jazz’s most influential figures. It’s crucial for understanding innovation in music and the complexities of the artist’s life that fuel their creativity. This doc leaves Netflix on March 2.
Who Shot The Sheriff? | 2018 | Director: Kief Davidson
Davidson explores the attempted assassination of Bob Marley and its political context in Jamaica. This documentary is vital for understanding how Marley’s musical legacy intersects with politics, race, political violence, and the street wars in Jamaica.
The Greatest Night of Pop | 2023 |Director: Bao Nguyen
Nguyen’s documentary reveals how “We Are the World,” a song for charity by 46 pop stars, was recorded in one night in 1985. It features historical footage and interviews of the pop icons who participated in shaping pop music and the world. But, most importantly, it spells out how integral Harry Belafonte, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Stevie Wonder were to this groundbreaking global endeavor.
Biggie: I Got a Story To Tell | 2021| Director: Emmett Malloy
Netflix peels back the layers of myth to reveal the man behind the legend, Christopher Wallace, known to the world as The Notorious B.I.G. The film’s intimate portrayal is achieved through never-before-seen footage and candid interviews with those closest to Wallace, offering a rare glimpse into his complex psyche and the contradictory forces that shaped his short but impactful life.
Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly | 2019 | Director: White Trash Tyler
Tyler stitches together moments of raw vulnerability with the adrenaline-pumping highs of Scott’s live performances and navigates Scott’s journey with a deft touch, capturing the whirlwind of his life without sacrificing the intimacy that allows viewers to connect with him on a human level. Look Mom I Can Fly transcends the typical music documentary format, offering instead a nuanced exploration of Scott’s ambition, his impact on the cultural zeitgeist, and the relentless drive that propels him forward.
Kanye West: A Jeen-Yuhs Trilogy | 2022 | Directors: Coodie & Chike
This Netflix docuseries, spanning nearly two decades, is not just about Ye West —it’s also about Coodie’s journey from cameraman to star of the show. The raw, previously unseen footage captures pivotal moments: West rapping in Roc-A-Fella’s offices, celebrating his signing at Burger King, and reacting to the cost of a porno mag in Times Square.
