Catch the screening of ‘Heart & Soul: A Love Story’ at The GRAMMY Museum on June 8
“Heart & Soul: A Love Story” will have its West Coast premiere at The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on June 8 in recognition and celebration of National Black Music Appreciation Month.
The acclaimed documentary film presents the untold, touching, and crushing narratives of some of the rhythm & blues forgotten icons who helped shape the development of the rock genre around the world in the 1950s and 1960s. It is directed by trailblazing singer, songwriter and producer, Kenny Vance.
“Heart & Soul: A Love Story” is a compilation of Vance’s recordings and reflections that were captured over a decade with the permission of his trusted friends, collaborators, and admired artists. He bonded with members of acclaimed groups such as the pioneering Black female group the Chantels (“Maybe”), Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers (“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”), the Dubs, and Little Anthony and the Imperials. The film is an accurate portrayal of these timeless musical artists.
These revolutionary Black and Latino rhythm and blues musicians ushered in a new era of youth-oriented music with their inventive styling, dances, lyrical content, and harmonies. The acoustic reverberations of urban spaces like subway tunnels and school hallways were used as instruments in a cappella performances. Doo-wop’s enduring appeal has made it a staple of Hollywood soundtracks and a go-to for major brand advertisers.
In addition to illuminating the wonder of the era, “Heart & Soul” provides an unfiltered recounting of what it was like for young people to navigate the uncharted waters of the developing and tainted entertainment industry of the day. The film examines the individuals who exploited the desires and talents of artists, eventually suppressing career sovereignty that brutally diminished their span under the spotlight and restricted their estates from just equity and acknowledgment.
Kenny Vance is a founding member of the popular 60s band, Jay and the Americans. They were the opening act for the Beatles and the Rolling Stones at their first-ever U.S. concerts. Besides his music career, Vance has left his mark on various aspects of popular culture.
During his tenure as SNL’s music director, he oversaw the production of groundbreaking performances by Prince, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. The formation of Steely Dan, a band later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was influenced by his creativity. Films like “Animal House,” “Hairspray,” “Looking for an Echo,” and “The Warriors” all feature original scores that he produced or oversaw as a movie music supervisor.
Comedian, music producer, actor and renowned hip-hop artist, Christopher “Kid” Reid of Kid ‘n Play is set to deliver an opening monologue that sets the context for the film.
After the film, entertainment journalist Brande Victorian will moderate a discussion with Vance. The event will be emceed by notable author, brand architect, and TV personality Ericka Pittman.
Tickets are available for purchase through the event’s link. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of its developments. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all. Evie can be reached at evieblanco@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published June 2, 2023 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Catch the screening of ‘Heart & Soul: A Love Story’ at The GRAMMY Museum on June 8."