STAX TODAY 14

Thanks to Nashid Madyun from the SoulsVille, USA, here is a short report of the WattStax event announced here a few days ago.

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music opened a new vibrant 59 pieces exhibit of the Wattstax concert and documentary: The Living Word.

Was also showed the Wattstax DVD in Studio A. Prior to the screening, Jesse Jackson, Al Bell, Isaac Hayes, and Chuck D. all spoke about the significance of Wattstax. Powerful. The screening was made possible in part by Warner Home Video.

In attendance were Robert Gordon, author of "It came from Memphis" fame, Sandra Hall of the Goodies, James Alexander and Larry Dotson of the Bar-Kays, Carla Thomas, Fredrick Knight, Norman West and Anita Louis of the Soul Children and more. Some photos to come, thanks to Nashid.

The new WattStax DVD which is now on sale in the USA and also available at the Satellite Record Shop, next to the Stax marquee.

Let's remind that the latest SoulsVille Records bulletin is available in pdf format on the SoulsVille, USA site at www.soulsvilleusa.com. You will also find on the site the visiting hours, maps and many details about Stax and Soulsville, as well a Stax gifts e-shop.

Once again, musicians are playing in the Stax studio. Left, the Dave Brookings Band last June 12 during the Beatles photos exhibit organised by SoulsVille, USA and right, gospel and musical expert Jesse Boyce on June 25, during the National Black Music Month Event. (photos from SoulsVille Record Vol. 3 No. 3).

The Soul Goes Gospel concert (Bar-Kays Larry Dodson singing here). Deanie Parker with Joe Arnold, former Mar-Keys baritone sax. Imani Madyun, daughter of Stax Museum curator Nashid Madyun posing with Santa under the Stax marquee. Photos from the Spring 2004 issue of the SoulsVille Record magazine.

Estelle Axton's burial ceremony on Friday, February 27, 2004 at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis. (photos by Joe Pusateri)

At The Bo-Keys CD release party, November 8, 2003 in Memphis, starring Joe Pusateri! Joe Spake and Carla Thomas. (photos from Joe Pusateri)

Some more photos of the Stax Museum opening ceremonies: Deanie Parker, Mable John, Al Bell and Linda Lyndell back stage at the Gibson Lounge; Isaac Hayes, Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton, Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton and Deanie Parker at the "splicing the ribbon" official ceremony.

Eddie Floyd, Sir Mack Rice and Duck Dunn at the Stax Museum; Bill Belmont, Steve Cropper, Rob Bowman and Deanie Parker in the Satellite Record Shop.

With Steve Cropper before the Blues Brothers Band show . French friend Jean Paul Pécréaux (The Otis Redding french site) with Eddie Floyd. Eddie Floyd, Leon Pendarvis
and Steve Cropper on stage (Avoine, France, July 4, 2003) (Photo © Patrick Montier).