Cadillac records movie movie#

Unfortunately, his role and importance wasn’t highlighted in the script of Cadillac Records. With Fuqua, Etta went on to sing songs like “I Just Want to Make Love to You”, “If I Can’t Have You” and later became the duo “Betty & Dupree” on Kent Records while also recording on Chess due to the lack of money they were paid on Chess.

“It never happened.” He even asked James, a longtime friend, and she told him, “He kissed me on the cheek once.”ĭuring Etta’s early days at Chess, she was very open in having a relationship with Harvey Fuqua, member of the Moonglows and later played a pivotal role in the formation of Motown Records. “Now, my father was no angel, but (he) was never caught in an affair,” Chess said. According to Marshall Chess, son of Leonard Chess, he had these words to say concerning the issue of this affair: Now for a woman to confess her trials of domestic abuse, her mindset of being an addict and other uncensored tidbits, having an affair with the boss would have easily been a drop in the bucket – unless it never happened. For instance, while the film plays heavily on a romantic relationship with Chess Records head, Leonard Chess, this information was never once mentioned in Etta’s autobiography. Once you indulge yourself in her life, you quickly comprehend the fierce spirit, complexities and facts never fully realized in the Beyonce produced film, Cadillac Records.

Cadillac records movie movie#

Of course we all saw Beyonce’s “role” in the movie Cadillac Records but unfortunately that role was not the factual life of Etta James.įor those of you who’ve never read the the autobiography of Etta James, Rage To Survive, I strongly encourage you to check out this book. With that said, it greatly disappoints me that in light of her authenticity, this truth has failed to be depicted on the screens of Hollywood. That is the stern virtue that I highly respect in the artistry and legend of Ms. Their truth is not built with the intent of gimmick-like controversy but a “need” to be true to themselves no matter the cost. This many artists in one places cause ego-related friction, especially between Muddy and Wolf, and it's up to Leonard to try to keep his company afloat, keep his artists happy, and keep from ruining his marriage despite his growing obsession with Etta.In a world filled with smoke and mirrors, it always inspires me to see and experience artists who exude a powerful sense of truth. This includes albums by Muddy Waters, Little Walter, powerful blues singer Howlin' Wolf, country rocker Chuck Berry, and the sassy crooner Etta James. Leonard, unswayed, builds a recording studio instead of another club, and he begins an incredible run of musical and financial success during his era. Leonard and McKinley, who now goes by Muddy Waters, make an album, but this turns the city against Leonard- his club is burned down by racists who resent his affiliation with a black man. They catch the ear of Leonard, now a club owner, who has been contacted by a producer looking to make albums by black musicians to keep an eye out. He meets Jimmy Rogers and Little Walter, and together they form a competitive trio, fighting (sometimes literally) for jobs around Chicago. The amplifier gives his music more edge and draws more attention to him. After listening to a record of himself for the first time, he moves to Chicago and plays acoustic guitar in the street until he meets Geneva, a beautiful young woman who buys him an amplifier. McKinley is given the opportunity to record his music by some people making folk music records for the Library of Congress.

McKinley Morganfield is a sharecropper down South who sings and plays guitar, but doesn't expect anything, as the South isn't kind to black people. Leonard Chess is a working-class Polish-American with a dream of opening up a music club one day. Leonard Chess, a white man, starts a record label with black musicians during a time when black music had yet to become popular.