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Alabama’s musical and civil rights legacy takes centre stage in landmark documentary – Music News


In the legendary rooms of Muscle Shoals, artists like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon forged a sound that bypassed borders and reshaped the global musical landscape. This month, a new transatlantic documentary, “I’ll Take You There”: Discovering the Sound of Alabama, explores how that legacy was born—and why its connection to the UK remains so profound.

Set to premiere globally on YouTube on March 12, 2026, the film is a deep dive into the intersection of Alabama’s world-shaping music scene and its pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement.

A Pilgrimage of Powerhouse Voices

The documentary follows a “pilgrimage” of award-winning female artists, led by Alabama soul icon Candi Staton and acclaimed UK singer-songwriters Lady Nade, Michele Stodart, and Lauren Housley. Together, they explore storied sites—from the hallowed halls of FAME Recording Studios to the Birmingham Civil Rights District—reflecting on how a history forged in both oppression and creativity continues to influence songwriting today.

Beyond the artists, the film features the local custodians of Alabama’s cultural memory, including studio owners, faith leaders, and historians. These voices reveal how the “Sound of Alabama” traveled across the Atlantic to embed itself in the DNA of British soul, rock, and Americana.

A Modern Approach to Musical History

Developed in collaboration with partners like Visit the USA and Sweet Home Alabama, the project utilizes a strategic production model designed to create substantive, enduring storytelling rather than short-term promotion.

Executive Producer Romano Sidoli emphasized the importance of community trust in bringing the project to life:

“This film would not exist without the generosity of the people of Alabama. For me, this project has always been about honoring legacy while creating something contemporary, honest, and culturally meaningful.”

Join the Global Premiere

Audiences worldwide are invited to join the filmmakers and cast for a live global premiere, featuring a real-time conversation via YouTube Live Chat.

Date: Thursday, 12 March 2026

Time: 8pm GMT | 3pm CDT | 4pm EDT


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