Watch Late Blossom Blues - The Journey of Leo "Bud" Welch

Late Blossom Blues - The Journey of Leo "Bud" Welch is a touching and inspiring documentary chronicling the late-in-life success of blues musician Leo "Bud" Welch. The film follows Welch and his longtime friend and manager Vencie Varnado as they embark on a journey that takes them from the small town of Bruce, Mississippi to international stages and critical acclaim.

The film begins by introducing us to Leo "Bud" Welch, an octogenarian musician who had been recording and performing for decades, but had never achieved significant success. Welch had grown up in the Mississippi Delta, and had been exposed to the blues and gospel music from a young age. He had played music his whole life, but had never been able to make a living from it.

Enter Vencie Varnado, a childhood friend of Welch's who had grown up down the road from him in Bruce. Varnado had moved to Jackson, Mississippi and became a musician himself, but always remembered Welch's talent and passion for music. One day, Varnado decided to take Welch to a local festival, where he blew the crowd away with his raw energy and soulful voice.

From there, Varnado became Welch's manager and began booking him gigs and helping him record music. Welch's style was unpolished and raw, with a gravelly voice and a stripped-down sound that harkened back to the early days of the blues. Despite his age and relative obscurity, Welch's music caught on with audiences, and he began to gain a following.

The film shows various performances by Welch, from small local shows to international festivals in Europe. We see Welch's infectious joy at being able to make music and connect with audiences, and how his supporters rally around him and his music.

The documentary also delves into Welch's personal life and the hardships he faced. He had lost both his wife and son to illness, and had endured a difficult upbringing in the segregated South. Despite these challenges, Welch remained optimistic and grateful for the opportunities he had been given.

The film also explores the history and legacy of the blues, including its roots in the African American experience and its influence on popular music. Welch's music is presented as a testament to the enduring power of the blues, and a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the people who created it.

Overall, Late Blossom Blues - The Journey of Leo "Bud" Welch is a heartwarming and inspiring film that celebrates the life and music of a talented musician who found success late in life. It showcases the enduring power of the blues and the joy that music can bring to people's lives, regardless of their age or circumstances.

Late Blossom Blues - The Journey of Leo "Bud" Welch is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.