Top 10 Documentaries on the Music Industry

Description: This film chronicles the life of Daniel Johnston, a cult singer-songwriter with bipolar disorder, whose music and art have inspired many despite his personal struggles.

Fact: The documentary was praised for its sensitive portrayal of mental illness. Johnston's music has influenced artists like Beck and the Flaming Lips.

Description: This heartwarming documentary follows the Canadian heavy metal band Anvil, who were once on the cusp of fame but never quite made it. It's a story of perseverance, friendship, and the love of music against all odds.

Fact: The film inspired many musicians and was praised for its honest portrayal of the music industry's harsh realities. Anvil's drummer, Robb Reiner, is not related to the actor Rob Reiner.

Description: This documentary uncovers the story of the session musicians who played on countless hit records in the 1960s and 1970s, often without credit. Their work shaped the sound of pop music during that era.

Fact: The film was completed after the death of its director, Denny Tedesco, whose father was a member of the Wrecking Crew. It features interviews with musicians like Brian Wilson and Cher.

Description: This film brings together three iconic guitarists - Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White - to discuss their craft, influences, and the evolution of rock music through their unique perspectives.

Fact: The film includes a jam session with all three guitarists, showcasing their different styles. It was named after a line from U2's song "Vertigo."

Description: A portrait of Kathleen Hanna, lead singer of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, this documentary explores her role in the riot grrrl movement, her personal struggles, and her impact on feminism and punk rock.

Fact: The film includes rare footage and interviews with Hanna's friends and collaborators like Kim Gordon and Joan Jett. It was produced by Hanna's husband, Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys.

Description: This film follows the quest to uncover the fate of Rodriguez, a Detroit singer-songwriter who disappeared into obscurity after his music failed to catch on in the U.S. but became a cult figure in South Africa. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of fame and the power of music to transcend borders.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: Set in the small town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, this documentary explores how this unlikely location became a recording mecca for some of the biggest names in music, thanks to its legendary studio musicians and producers.

Fact: The film includes interviews with artists like Aretha Franklin and Mick Jagger, who recorded there. The studio's house band, known as The Swampers, was instrumental in creating the "Muscle Shoals sound."

Description: This documentary delves into the life and career of Nina Simone, exploring her music, her activism, and her complex personality, providing a nuanced look at one of music's most enigmatic figures.

Fact: The film won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. It features never-before-seen footage and interviews with Simone's daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly.

Description: Directed by Dave Grohl, this documentary tells the story of Sound City Studios, a recording studio in Van Nuys, California, where numerous classic albums were recorded. It focuses on the human element of music creation and the impact of technology on recording.

Fact: The film features interviews with musicians like Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, and Paul McCartney. Grohl also formed a band, Sound City Players, to perform songs recorded at the studio.

Description: This documentary shines a light on the unsung heroes of the music industry: backup singers. It explores their contributions to iconic songs and the personal stories of their lives, often overshadowed by the stars they supported.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in