Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution arm of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired North American VOD rights to the music documentary “Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues.” The film debuts on February 14, 2025, on digital HD internet, cable, satellite platforms, and DVD.
The documentary profiles legendary blues harmonica player James Cotton. It tracks Cotton’s journey from the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to the gritty streets of Chicago, and onward to live music stages in Austin, Texas. The film covers tours with Janis Joplin and Paul Butterfield, along with sessions featuring the Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Santana, Steve Miller, B.B. King, and others.
When can I see Bonnie Blue?
- Title: Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues
- Release Date: February 14, 2025
- Platforms: North American VOD and DVD
- Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media
Tell me about it!
“Bonnie Blue” delivers an intimate look at how Cotton brought the Delta blues into the mainstream. The documentary weaves together unseen photographs, original interviews, and live performances. It highlights the artist’s role in shaping Chicago blues and how the blues evolved into jazz, big band, rock and roll, punk, hip-hop, and rap.
The film features intimate concert performances and interviews with artists such as Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, Steve Miller, Jimmie Vaughan, Keb’ Mo’, and James Montgomery.
Director Bestor Cram noted, “Our deep reach into the unique life of James Cotton reveals a struggle endured by many African Americans during the second half of the 20th century. ‘Bonnie Blue’ presents the story of a life and time that is still important for music of all kinds.”
Freestyle Digital Media secured the rights by negotiating directly with the filmmaking team, including Judith Laster, James Montgomery, and Bestor Cram. This acquisition is part of a broader plan to release unreleased and rereleased audio and video from the vast James Cotton archive.
With its scheduled February release, “Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues” is set to capture the spirit of an era and the influence of a true blues legend on today’s music. Stay tuned for more updates as this documentary brings a vital chapter of music history to screens across North America.
