BORN IN CHICAGO: A Deep Dive into the Iconic Blues Scene Coming to Digital Platforms

Shout! Studios and Out Of The Box Records Bring the Chicago Blues Scene to Life

Shout! Studios, in collaboration with Out Of The Box Records, is set to release BORN IN CHICAGO, an extraordinary music documentary that explores the rich history of the Chicago blues scene. Available on all major digital platforms from August 1, 2023, this Ravin’ Film was penned by esteemed music historian Joel Selvin. BORN IN CHICAGO intertwines stunning archival footage with in-depth interviews featuring music legends like Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, and many more.

A Stellar Cast and Crew

Narrated by Dan Aykroyd and executive produced by Jim Belushi and Elliot Roberts, BORN IN CHICAGO was co-directed by Bob Sarles and John Anderson. The film’s original score was composed by Jimmy Vivino and Barry Goldberg, offering an immersive auditory experience that truly captures the spirit of the Chicago blues.

A Journey into the Heart of the Chicago Blues Scene

The late 1950s marked a significant turning point for the vibrant Chicago blues scene. While Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, the music’s patriarchs, continued to perform live at various blues clubs across the city, a generational shift was beginning to reshape the musical landscape. As young African Americans embraced Motown, Stax, and the soulful rhythms of James Brown, the blues of their forebears was seen as a relic of the past.

However, a new breed of white adolescents from Chicago’s suburbs and beyond, were discovering this evocative and enticing music via late-night black radio stations. These young white musicians, including the likes of Mike Bloomfield, Barry Goldberg, and Harvey Mandel, ventured to Chicago’s South side, eager to experience the music they’d been hearing on the radio in person. Soon, they were not just spectators but active participants, embraced by the musicians playing at Chicago’s black blues clubs. BORN IN CHICAGO tells this captivating story through the voices of those who were there and the extensive use of rarely seen archival footage.

Check out the Accolades for BORN IN CHICAGO

The documentary has been met with an enthusiastic response on the film festival circuit, earning accolades such as “Best Of Fest” at the Palms Springs International Film Festival and winning multiple awards at the FirstGlance Philadelphia Film Festival. It also garnered an award for “Best Documentary Feature” at the Hollywood Blvd Film Festival.

The film has enjoyed successful screenings at numerous festivals, including the Mill Valley Film Festival, San Francisco DocFest, the Garden State Film Festival, and many more. Upcoming screenings include the New York City Independent Film Festival, The Washington, DC International Film Festival, and as part of the 2023 Chicago Blues Festival.