My nerddom in becoming a Facebook fan of my local PBS station has totally paid off. In the last week, I’ve been alerted to three awesome shows that I was then able to DVR and get all smart with.
The first two were American Masters – one on Sam Cooke and one on Marvin Gaye. What did I learn? Sam Cooke had a child out of wedlock with his high school sweetheart, but then married someone else. He then divorced that lady and she died soon after. Then, he married his high school sweetheart when their daughter was seven or eight. Then, when Sam was killed? His wife married his buddy/mentee – two months later.
Got that?
And as for Marvin? Well, his strict preacher daddy was a cross dresser.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
But the best show? Independent Lens showed Young@Heart. It’s a documentary about a chorus that sings rocks songs. Oh, and all of the singers are at least 74 years old.
Growing old ain’t for sissies. But this film was so inspiring. These folks are so vibrant and have such a great sense of humor. Their story and their performances are incredibly moving.
I originally wanted to see this in the theatre when it came out two years ago. But I was busy, you know, doing shit. But I’m glad. I needed to see this now – and it was nice to cry unabashedly in the comfort of my own living room.
But mostly I was glad for these people and their music.
The film is out on DVD if you miss it on PBS.
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