With the new year comes new music documentaries that give us a closer look into artists’ lives, with exclusive interviews, and behind the scenes footage. 2022 saw a bunch of thrilling music documentaries, from pop stars like Selena Gomez and Lizzo to those chronicling the lives of icons like David Bowie and The Rolling Stones. This year also sports a chance to know more about some of the greatest musical acts. We’ve compiled a list of seven documentaries that will help us connect with some of our favorite artists and get a look inside their creative, personal, and musical journeys.
For more music documentaries released in 2023, check out our updated list – Must-Watch Music Documentaries of 2023
Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection (Karen Carpenter of The Carpenters)
A documentary celebrating Karen Carpenter’s life and musical legacy is on the way! The Carpenters, an iconic sibling duo comprised of Richard and Karen Carpenter, have garnered three chart-topping hits with ‘Top Of The World,’ ‘(They Long To Be) Close To You,’ and ‘Please Mr. Postman.’ Karen’s untimely death came at age 32 after struggling with an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa.
The documentary titled ‘Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection’ also features interviews with stars including Carnie Wilson, Suzanne Somers, singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, and James. ‘Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection’ has been directed by Randy Martin and penned by Randy Schmidt. Schmidt also serves as the producer of this documentary alongside Brad Osborne, with Andy Streitfeld and Carnie Wilson as executive producers.
Love To Love You (Donna Summer)
A new Donna Summer documentary, described as “a personal portrait of Summer on and off the stage,” is set to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival next month. The film titled ‘Love To Love You,’ which arrives on HBO and HBO Max this May, has been co-directed by Academy Award winner Roger Ross Williams and Donna Summer’s daughter Brooklyn Sudano.
‘Love To Love You’ will center on Summer’s rise to stardom and her career and will include archival footage. It features interviews with the Disco Queen’s family and friends, along with never-before-seen home videos. Some of Summer’s most notable tracks include ‘I Feel Love,’ ‘Hot Stuff,’ ‘Last Dance,’ and ‘Bad Girls.’
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J-Hope in the Box (BTS’ J-Hope)
BTS’ J-Hope’s documentary about recording his first solo album and its behind-the-scenes journey lands on Disney+ on February 17. ‘j-hope IN THE BOX’ also gives fans a special look into the star’s historic performance as the first Korean artist to headline Lollapalooza. In addition to watching him prepare for his headlining set at the festival, viewers will also be transported to his album listening party from the comfort of their homes!
It depicts the many creative challenges and hurdles faced by Jung Ho-seok AKA J-Hope while making his first solo full-length album, and fans can now see how he overcame them in this documentary film.
Man on the Run (Paul McCartney)
Ever wonder what Paul McCartney’s life was like after the breakup of one of the biggest bands on the planet, The Beatles? A documentary, tentatively titled ‘Man on the Run,’ chronicling his post-Beatles life, personal and musical journey is coming soon! Oscar-winner Morgan Neville is set to direct this documentary.
You can expect to see never-before-seen interviews as well as home videos shot by Linda and Paul McCartney. Viewers will also get a chance to see the rise of Wings in the ‘70s. The release date and other details about this documentary are yet to be announced. Paul McCartney was also featured in the Disney+ docu-series ‘The Beatles: Get Back’ directed by Peter Jackson.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Ol’ Dirty Bastard of Wu-Tang Clan)
An Ol’ Dirty Bastard documentary is on the way! The two-house documentary film will see the late Wu-Tang Clan’s founding member’s rise in his musical journey, solo career, and his untimely death at age 35 from a drug overdose. It also takes a look at his childhood, his first album release, and his combined artistry.
This film will be co-directed by Academy Award nominee Sam Pollard, who is also a Peabody and Emmy-winning director with his son Jason Pollard. Pulse Films and Four Screens serve as producers of the upcoming Ol’ Dirty Bastard documentary.
Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman (Bono and The Edge of U2)
‘Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman’ releases on Disney+ on March 17, 2023. The docu-special follows David Letterman, whose visit to Dublin coincides with the release of U2’s ‘Songs of Surrender,’ an upcoming 40-track compilation. This documentary will see the talk show host spend time with Bono and The Edge to talk about their friendship, and fans will get a chance to watch a special concert performance too!
The upcoming Disney+ docu-special will also focus on U2’s Bono and The Edge collaborating on music and being friends for over 40 years. It has been produced by Worldwide Pants, Imagine Documentaries and Tremolo Productions. Morgan Neville is the director of this project.
All of Those Voices (Louis Tomlinson)
Louis Tomlinson’s upcoming documentary ‘All of Those Voices’ comes to theaters next month! The One Direction member’s documentary, directed by Charlie Lightening, will explore his musical career as a solo artist. It will include behind-the-scenes footage from his worldwide tour, victories, challenges, and Louis’ take on fame and its pressure. Tomlinson has rolled out two studio albums so far in his solo career. His sophomore album ‘Faith In The Future’ was released last year.
“This has been something I’ve been working on for years, I’m really excited to finally put it out into the world,” Louis wrote on Instagram. “I’ve said it a million times but I’m lucky enough to have the greatest fans an artist could wish for, and as they always go above and beyond for me, I wanted to share my story ‘in my own words’.”
