Independent Lens Season 5 Episode 11 Make 'Em Dance: The Hackberry Ramblers' Story

Make 'Em Dance: The Hackberry Ramblers' Story is the eleventh episode of season five of Independent Lens. This highly entertaining and infectious documentary takes a charming look back at the oldest band in America that's still performing, the Hackberry Ramblers. The group formed in 1933 in Louisiana and has been playing their unique blend of Cajun, country, blues, jazz, and swing music for over 80 years. Filmmaker John Whitehead carefully weaves together archival footage, interviews, and live performances to paint a picture of this iconic band and their lifelong commitment to music.

The documentary opens with the band's lead singer and fiddle player, Luderin Darbone, as he walks around his rural property in Louisiana, reflecting on his life and career. Darbone has been playing with the Hackberry Ramblers since he was 16 years old, and he's now in his late 80s. He discusses the band's origins and how they began playing music for local dances and parties during the Great Depression. He also talks about how their music has evolved over the years, taking on elements of different genres as they've toured around the country. Darbone's reflections set the stage for the documentary, transporting viewers back in time to an era when music brought communities together.

The documentary then goes back in time to tell the story of the band's beginnings. The Hackberry Ramblers were formed by Luderin and his brother Edwin, who played accordion. They were inspired by the music of the late 1920s and early 1930s, particularly artists like Jimmie Rodgers, who blended country and blues music. The brothers recruited some friends from their small town to form a band, which they called the Hackberry Ramblers. They started out playing for local dances and parties, but their popularity quickly spread, and they soon began playing at bigger venues throughout Louisiana.

One of the unique aspects of the Hackberry Ramblers is their blend of musical styles. They were one of the first Cajun bands to incorporate elements of swing and jazz into their music, giving it a distinct sound that set them apart from other bands. The documentary explores this by showing how the band's music progressed over the years. They started out playing traditional Cajun music, but as they traveled around the country, they picked up other influences and incorporated those into their sound. This experimentation led them to create a style all their own, which still sounds fresh and exciting today.

The documentary is filled with fascinating stories and interviews from the band members, as well as from other musicians and historians. One of the highlights is a segment about the band's appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s. The Hackberry Ramblers were one of the first Cajun bands to perform on the Opry, and their appearance helped to introduce the genre to a wider audience. The documentary shows footage of their performance, as well as interviews with band members and Opry historian John Rumble.

The film also touches on the personal lives of the band members, particularly Luderin Darbone and his brother Edwin. The two had a falling out in the 1960s and didn't speak for over a decade. The documentary explores this rift and how it impacted the band. It also shows how the two eventually reunited and were able to put their differences aside for the sake of their music.

Overall, Make 'Em Dance: The Hackberry Ramblers' Story is a delightful and heartwarming documentary that celebrates the power of music to bring people together. It's a tribute to a group of musicians who have dedicated their lives to their craft and have brought joy to countless people over the years. The documentary is a must-see for anyone who loves music, history, or just wants to be inspired by the resilience and passion of human beings.