Robert Gordon has carved out an impressive career as both a writer and director. His creative endeavors are fueled by his passion for the culture, politics, and people of the American South, especially the city he calls home, Memphis.
In this installment, Nick engages Robert in a wide-ranging discussion of his life and how his interests provided the impetus for his documentaries and books. From the music of almost-forgotten blues legends, to the Emmy-winning political documentary "Best Of Enemies", to the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking book "It Came From Memphis", Robert and Nick immerse themselves in the intertwined history of Memphis and the clash of cultures that formed the backdrop for the rise of rock 'n roll in the 1950s.
Key Takeaways:
[03:21] The three points of cultural collision that form the "plane" of "It Came From Memphis"
[06:15] The various additions to the new 25th anniversary edition
[10:39] How blues legend "Furry" Lewis kick-started Robert's love of music history
[13:35] The TV hosts and African-American DJs in Memphis who put rock 'n roll on the map
[19:48] The origins of the "holy trinity" of Memphis record labels: Sun, Stax, and American Sound
[27:49] How geography played a part in Memphis' place in rock 'n roll history
[29:44] The documentary "Best Of Enemies" and how it applies to politics today
[37:33] Robert discusses his process as a writer and filmmaker
Thanks for listening! Tune in next week and don’t forget to take a minute to review the podcast. In this incredibly competitive podcasting world, every piece of feedback helps.
Follow our social media channels for last-minute announcements and guest reveals @theradicalpod on Instagram and Facebook.
Find out more about today’s guests, Robert Gordon.
Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Third Man Books @thirdmanbooks
The Rolling Stones @RollingStones
Big Star @BigStarBand
Ardent Recording Studios @ardentstudios
WDIA @wdia
Sun Records @sunrecords
Stax Records @staxrecords
Memphis, TN @CityOfMemphis
