The various subgenres of music have always inspired enduring documentaries, such as D. A. Pennebaker’s 1965 concert film/portrait of Bob Dylan, Don’t Look Back. It’s always interesting to see the evolution of your favourite genre of music or look into the lives and inspirations that drive artists to greatness. Music docs can even be a means to expand your musical horizons. With the rise of streaming platforms, there are plenty of music docuseries and films that take deep dives into musical genres or shed light on some great artists. Here are some on Netflix that you might have missed.
‘The Defiant Ones’
Filmed over three years, The Defiant Ones tells the story of trust and friendship between music legends Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre (pictured above), two men from different worlds who came together, defied tradition and changed the business of music and contemporary culture.
Director: Allen Hughes
Release: 2017
‘Voices Of Fire’
Bishop Ezekiel Williams, the uncle of singer Pharrell Williams, attempts to establish the world’s best gospel choir in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Release: 2020
‘Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly’
This docuseries chronicles rapper Travis Scott’s rise to fame and the creation and the release of his Grammy-nominated album ‘Astroworld’.
Director: White Trash Tyler, Isaac Yowman
Release: 2019
‘A.R. Rahman: One Heart’
Oscar-winning music producer A.R. Rahman talks about his music against the background of his massive concerts in America and Canada
Director: Deepak Gattani, Namit Sharma
Release: 2017
‘Westside’
A deeply personal glimpse into the journeys of nine young Los Angeles-based musicians who are following their musical dreams
Cast: Alexandra Kay, Taz Zavala, Caitlin Ary
Release: 2018
