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| Say Amen Somebody | 
 enlarge | Director: George T. Nierenberg
Actors: Willie May Ford Smith, Thomas A. Dorsey, Delois Barrett Cambell, Billie Barrett Greenbey, Sallie Martin
Studio: Pacific Arts Video
Category: Video
Buy New: $29.99
New (1) Used (9) from $5.49
Avg. Customer Rating:  15 reviews
Sales Rank: 45571
Format: Color, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: G (General Audience)
Media: VHS Tape
Running Time: 100 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
UPC: 075051547934
EAN: 0075051547934
ASIN: B00000F5ZI
Theatrical Release Date: January 1983
Release Date: July 17, 1992
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Still sealed-New from manufacturer
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Anyone who loves soul music or rhythm & blues probably knows that it all springs from the roots of gospel music. This 1982 documentary by director George T. Nierenberg breaks it all down beautifully as he examines the lives and careers of a handful of since-departed gospel stars, who helped create the genre from which so many other forms of music flowed. Focusing on the aging but still vigorous "Professor" Thomas A. Dorsey and "Mother" Willie Mae Ford, he also offers musical moments by such gospel stalwarts as Sallie Martin and the Barrett Sisters. Live performances are mixed with telling, sometimes touching reminiscences by these pioneers of a musical style, all leading to several striking points: principally, that this energetic music took time to be accepted by the conservatives in the church, and that the music itself has a surprising power to raise spirits and confirm faith. Yet it's all done in a way that is spiritual without being preachy. A truly joyful film. --Marshall Fine
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| Customer Reviews: Read 10 more reviews...
Touched and Inspired are the two definitions May 3, 2007
Touched and Inspired are the two definitions that ultimately sum up the experience and after feeling of watching `Say Amen, Somebody'. A need to be discovered documentary film detailing the rise and cultural embargo of Gospel music. A relative piece of Landmark history in Gospel music. Say Amen, Somebody takes the viewer on a journey of time to witness the great invention of Gospel music at its purest and finest, and be warned its Gospel music not quite as we think we know it today. This journey is led and narrated by Willie May Ford-Smith and Thomas A. Dorson the Two most significant connoisseurs of Gospel Music. Upon this embargo opinion and information of the time is also given by those who were fortunate enough to sideline the movement, of Willie Mae and Thomas, this magnificent duo can only be described as `True Patron Saints'!
If today's young people could only watch this great piece of history and connect with it for just a minute, things would be very different for them as a generation. I am committed to honesty in saying that if today's church were as tenacious and committed as Willie Mae Ford-Smith and Thomas A. Dorsey then the body of Christ and the church of this present day wouldn't be so divided!
The *minute film shows the paths that Gospel music had taken throughout central America starting in Chicago also the hometown of Willie Mae and Thomas, showing how the church of the time would not accept this new type of `blues singing music' called Gospel music, Thomas a spiritual Innovator and Willie Mae an Evangelist have dedicated their lives work to the insemination of Gospel music not only to be accepted into the church but also within main stream culture.
If you do not know Willie Mae Ford or Thomas A. Dorsoy then apparently you do not fully know Gospel music. We all know that you have to know the beginning in order to understand the origins and be able to foresee the future and fully understand a process. A must have for all true Gospel Music fans today
True Gospel Music April 2, 2007
This video had me crying, laughing and really appreciating Gospel music. This is gospel music in it's purest. Music that speaks to the soul and really ministers to the heart. Gospel music artist(today)have turned Gospel music into this big money making industry and have joined with secular artists and have degraded the true meaning behind gospel. This video was truly inspiring and I loved it!
Say Amen, Somebody August 22, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Regardless of anyone's race or creed, this movie provides rare nourishment for the soul. With its message of love and hope contagious, Director Nierenberg fashions a touchingly human and uplifting portrait of gospel music that translates how this special music has sustained people through adversity. A humbling and glorious film.
Gospel Music Lovers, Don't Miss This One! December 8, 2003
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
If you're into Gospel Music (the older clasic type) and even if you're not, this is one of the most moving , informative, authentic documentaries I've ever see. Maybe that's why it won an academy award when it was released. I saw it then at the theatre, and later on video, and it's lost none of its power. It took a European to make it, which is just more proof how little we as Americans care about what many consider the most influencial form of African- American music.
Give me that Old time religion July 16, 2002
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
For those who have not yet goten a grip of the new strange stuff in the gospel scene, this is for you. For those who have got all the latest music, this is for you too. It shows the background of songs such as "precious Lord". Also it goes on to show how the gospel music had to fight to be where it was int he early eigthies. Thomas Dorsey is also a little entertainer and Willie Mae Ford Smith is definitely a minister for the truth whatever the cost. Get it and you will not be disappointed
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