Netflix is a great outlet to watch dramatic television shows, comedic movies and romantic sitcoms, but there is also a plethora of fantastic documentaries that showcase music history. While the list below is in no way exhaustive, it does feature some of the best.
Behind all famous musical acts lie countless hours of recording in the studio. The studio can make or break the recording process, and one studio, Muscle Shoals, is perhaps the most famous in America, and for good reason. With clients such as The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Glenn Frey, Muscle Shoals is regarded as one of the most important studios in the country. The documentary features interviews from artists such as Aretha Franklin and Mick Jagger; “Muscle Shoals” is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the studio that hosted some of the world’s greatest artists.
You may know Pussy Riot from their iconic usage of neon ski masks and controversial jail time, but “Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer” dives head first into a detailed account of the story that left three members subject to the Russian court system. When Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Yekaterina Samutsevich and Maria Alyokhina were arrested following a performance at a cathedral in Moscow, they faced a battle including free speech, Russian law and even Amnesty International. “Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer” details these happenings and the fate of the three Pussy Riot members after a life-changing ordeal.
When considering the awe-inspiring greatness and fame of The Beatles, it’s absolutely vital to examine how the band grew to be one of the most influential acts in the world. The people that helped the famous foursome along the way are often left out of the story, and Freda Kelly, longtime secretary for The Beatles, tells her side of history in “Good Ol’ Freda.” Kelly provides a retrospective account on her experiences working alongside one of the biggest bands in recent memory. Featuring archival footage and interviews with Kelly, Ringo Starr and others, “Good Ol’ Freda” provides a perspective that offers a fresh take on people we thought we already knew.
