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7 Music Documentaries on Netflix That You Must Watch

Assuming you haven’t ripped them off Torrentz already and have high-speed Internet, check out some cool films on artists such as Keith Richards and Nina Simone to Kurt Cobain

Jan 07, 2016

Kurt and courtney

When you’re done binging on Escobar’s cocaine cartel saga Narcos and tweeting Netflix India to ask what their censorship policy is, catch up on some music history through some of 2015’s biggest releases, and a few older gems. Here are seven essential Netflix music documentaries streaming right now that you might want to check out before your free month-long subscription ends.

 

Keith Richards: Under the Influence [2015]

A Netflix exclusive release, Under the Influence traces Rolling Stones riff-master Keith Richards’ musical journey all the way from his Muddy Waters rock n’ roll roots to in-the-studio session for his solo album Crosseyed Heart [which later released the same day as the documentary]. The documentary was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, and traces Richards through blues hub Chicago, country music central Nashville and glitzy New York City.

 

What happened, Miss Simone? [2015]

While Liz Garbus is far from the first to document jazz mistress Nina Simone’s career, What Happened, Miss Simone? is one of the most insightful looks into the life of the iconic singer and social activist. The “High Priestess of Soul” was riddled with rebellion, depression, and abuse, and Garbus does little to hold back on details as Simone tackles her demons in this documentary.

 

Pentatonix: On My Way Home [2015]

America’s a cappella sweethearts made it all the way to the Grammys and platinum status, and their tour documentary captures much of the excitement on their 2015 North American tour. Along with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, On My Way Home is your golden ticket to a real-life Pitch Perfect.

 

The Wrecking Crew [2015]

The untold story of the Sixties’ unsung musicians ””The Wrecking Crew brings to the forefront the uber-talented session players whose work creditlessly went on record under the name of bigger bands like The Beach Boys, The Monkees and Nat King Cole. This film is testament to the fact that The Wrecking Crew were more than back-up musicians; they may very well have been the real Mamas and Papas of pop’s golden age.

 

The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir [2014]

Jerry Garcia may have almost always stolen the limelight when it came to legendary rock band the Grateful Dead, but Netflix original The Other One chooses to follow guitarist Bob Weir. Right from his dyslexia-affected childhood days to more successful memories with the Dead, this Mike Fleiss-directed flick is a Deadhead’s must-watch.

 

Kurt and Courtney [1998]

Long before Montage of Heck exposed Kurt Cobain’s life to an uncomfortably raw extent, filmmaker Nick Broomfield took his own shot at demystifying the Nirvana frontman’s turbulent life. From conspiracy theories regarding a Courtney Love murder-for-hire plot to interviews with Cobain’s closest friends, Kurt and Courtney is an unapologetic, lingering memoriiaa.

 

I’m Still Here [2010]

There’s no denying that Joaquin Phoenix pulled off a mean Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, but two years later, the actor gave up his acting/singing career to pursue rap, an effort closely documented by his brother-in-law Casey Affleck in I’m Still Here. The result? A half-joking, half-sympathetic take on Phoenix’s failure to rise to the challenge.

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