Behind all the flashing lights, fame, and glamour, artists go through different kinds of battles in their lives. Through interviews and archival footage, documentaries help us connect with artists whose music we love and admire. They even give us a chance to take a look back on their career, some of their biggest achievements, or even how they overcame obstacles in their lives. These documentaries not only give us a closer look into the lives of artists but also inspire and motivate us to persevere and never give up.
From ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ to ‘SUGA: Road to D-DAY,’ here are nine music documentaries you should watch this year.
Check out some more 2023 Music Documentary releases: 7 Music Documentaries Releasing in 2023 That You Should Watch
BET & ET Present Tina Turner: Life And Legacy
‘BET & ET Present Tina Turner: Life And Legacy’ is a 40-minute documentary that chronicles the career of Tina Turner, considered the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It includes archival footage and interviews, and takes viewers through some significant events in her life. This legendary star passed away in May, leaving many mourning the loss of one of the most inspirational performers.
Find ‘BET & ET Present Tina Turner: Life and Legacy’ on BET+ Amazon Channel
Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All
‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ is a four-part docu-series following Ed Sheeran’s rise to fame. He is now among the most popular artists on the planet and has churned out hits after hits. This Disney+ documentary gives us a peek into the personal life of the ‘Perfect’ singer. ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ takes us through some of the most challenging times of his life. It includes interviews with his wife and loved ones, never-before-seen footage, performances and more!
The global superstar has racked up billions of streams on Spotify, earned sixteen Grammy nominations, and won four Grammys in his career so far! He has released six studio albums since his 2011 debut album ‘+,’ which included the tracks ‘Lego House,’ ‘The A Team,’ ‘Kiss Me,’ and ‘Give Me Love.’ The singer has scored nine top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including two number 1 songs – ‘Shape Of You’ and ‘Perfect.’
Stream ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ on Disney Plus: HERE
Little Richard: I Am Everything
Directed by Lisa Cortes (‘The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion), ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ tells the tale of “Black queer origins of rock n’ roll.” With the help of archival footage and performances, viewers get a closer look at one of the most iconic artists – Little Richard, and it reveals details about his life. As per Amazon Prime Video’s description of the documentary film, it shatters “the whitewashed canon of American pop music to reveal the innovator – the originator – Richard Penniman.” It features interviews with familiar faces like well-known musicians, Black and queer scholars, and Richard’s family members.
Rent ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ on YouTube | Apple TV
SUGA: Road to D-DAY
Min-Yoon-gi is a South Korean rapper, producer, and songwriter popularly known as Suga from the biggest group on the planet, BTS. His documentary special titled ‘SUGA: Road top D-DAY’ sees Suga on a journey around the world! He travels to find inspiration for his latest solo album ‘D-DAY,’ which was released in April this year. He recently hit the road in the US and Asia in support of this album. Suga has had an illustrious solo career while also being a part of BTS. Some of his projects include‘Agust D,’ ‘D-2,’ and ‘D-DAY.’
Watch ‘SUGA: Road to D-DAY’ on Disney Plus: HERE
Have You Got It Yet?: The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd
‘Have You Got It Yet?: The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd,’ directed by Roddy Bogawa and Storm Thorgerson, follows some of the most influential figures in UK music history – Pink Floyd and their original frontman Syd Barrett. The documentary delves into Syd Barrett’s departure from the group (after his mental health began to decline) that went on to become one of the biggest and best-selling bands of all time.
‘Have You Got It Yet?: The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd’ features interviews with surviving members of the band – Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and David Glimour, and will also see band managers Peter Jenner and Andrew King. Syd Barrett has been an inspiration to many stars, and the documentary also looks at his ongoing impact on the band. Pink Floyd’s name comes from two blues musicians and was created by Syd Barrett.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Our Last Summer
A documentary centering on Tomorrow X Together lands on Disney+ this month! ‘Tomorrow x Together: Our Lost Summer’ will see the K-pop group embark on their first world tour. Some of the tour stops include New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Seoul, and Atlanta. This documentary special will also take viewers through the group’s first time performing at Lollapalooza in the US. ‘Tomorrow x Together: Our Lost Summer’ arrives on Disney+ on July 28.
Wham!
Featuring never-before-seen footage and rare interviews, ‘Wham!’ on Netflix celebrates the epic pop duo comprising George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. Wham! have offered us hits like ’Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,’ ‘Club Tropicana’ and the evergreen holiday song ‘Last Christmas.’ Seven of their tunes have entered the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, including three number 1 songs. The duo met as teenagers and ended up selling more than 30 million records in four years! Fans get a chance to relive their journey from friends to pop icons in this 1-hour, 32-minute film!
Stream ‘Wham!’ on Netflix: HERE
Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Hallelujah
Hello Sunshine, a company founded by Reese Witherspoon, brings to you ‘Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Hallelujah.’ The documentary gives viewers a raw look into the life of Wynonna Judd as she grieves her mother Naomi Judd’s untimely death by suicide. It also takes fans through Wynonna’s new beginnings. The Judds were a country music act consisting of mother-daughter duo Naomi and Wynonna Judd. They’ve earned nine Grammy nominations in their career and have taken home five Grammy awards.
The film includes clips from the country-wide ‘The Judds: The Final Tour’ as well behind-the-scenes footage. Expect to see Wynonna’s friends and artists, including Little Big Town, Brandi Carlile, Faith Hill and more. ‘Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Hallelujah’ is a touching film that also sees Wynonna reflect and process her grief following her mother and longtime singing partner Naomi Judd’s death.
Find ‘Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Hallelujah’ on Paramount+: HERE
TLC Forever
The group that gave us iconic songs like ‘Unpretty,’ ‘No Scrubs,’ and ‘Waterfalls’ is telling their story for the very first time in a Lifetime documentary titled ‘TLC Forever.’ Members T-Boz and Chilli open up about their musical journey, challenges and difficulties they faced both in their personal lives and careers. The trio comprising Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas (TLC), formed in Atlanta, have sold more than 85 million records and earned numerous awards and hits! Lisa passed away in a car crash in Honduras in 2002, which devastated her bandmates T-Boz and Chilli, who decided to continue as a duo.
Watch ‘TLC Forever’ on Lifetime: HERE
