Watch Harlem Street Singer

Harlem Street Singer is a documentary film which explores the life and music of Reverend Gary Davis, one of the most influential and celebrated blues and gospel musicians of the 20th century. Produced and directed by Simeon Hutner and Trevor Laurence, the film combines archival footage, interviews with music experts and scholars, and contemporary performances of Davis's songs to provide a comprehensive portrait of a musician whose legacy has not been fully appreciated in his lifetime.

The film opens with a montage of archival footage of Davis playing his guitar and singing on the streets of Harlem in the 1960s, where he lived and recorded for many years. Davis was blind from childhood and grew up in poverty in the rural South, but he developed a prodigious talent for music, and his unique blend of blues, ragtime, and spirituals attracted many fans and admirers. The film also features interviews with some of these fans, including blues musician Taj Mahal, folk singer Dave Van Ronk, and guitarist Woody Mann, who recorded an album of Davis's songs in 1993 and co-produced the film.

In addition to these tributes, the film includes interviews with music scholars and historians, who provide context for Davis's music and place him in the broader historical and cultural landscapes of his time. For example, one scholar explains how Davis's lyrics and melodies reflected the experiences of African Americans during the Jim Crow era, when discrimination and segregation were pervasive in the South and urban North. Another scholar discusses the significance of Davis's guitar style, which combined intricate fingerpicking patterns with powerful rhythm and bluesy inflections.

Throughout the film, we see Davis performing some of his most famous songs, such as "Hesitation Blues," "I Am the Light of This World," and "Samson and Delilah," which showcase his remarkable skill as a guitarist and his deep spiritual conviction. We also see him interacting with his family and friends, who describe him as a generous and kind-hearted person, despite the hardships he faced in his life. The film includes footage of Davis's funeral in 1972, where he was honored by fellow musicians and community members who recognized the importance of his contribution to American music.

In addition to these historical and cultural insights, the film also explores Davis's influence on contemporary musicians, especially Mann, who talks about how Davis's music shaped his own approach to the guitar and inspired him to record an album of Davis's songs. We see Mann performing several of these songs in the film, accompanied by other musicians who share his appreciation for Davis's music. These performances underscore the enduring appeal of Davis's music, which continues to resonate with audiences today.

Overall, Harlem Street Singer is a poignant and insightful tribute to a legendary musician whose music and life embody the rich cultural heritage of the African American community. Through interviews, archival footage, and contemporary performances, the film offers a multidimensional portrait of Davis as a virtuoso guitarist, a devout Christian, and a beloved community member. The film also highlights the ongoing relevance of Davis's music, which speaks to the enduring struggles and triumphs of the human experience. Whether you're a blues aficionado or simply a lover of good music, Harlem Street Singer is a must-see film that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power of music to transcend time and place.

Harlem Street Singer is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.