It’s time for Holiday break! This is the ideal time to put away the books for a bit and relax in front of your television or laptop and catch up on some Netflix (you’ve been working hard enough this semester.)
A good way to combine your love for music and Holiday break is to check out any music documentaries on Netflix you might have missed throughout the year!
Netflix has done a great job of curating a wide variety of music doc genres to choose from, so you can learn a bit more about your faves, but also explore an entirely new genre.
While you should still be practicing your instrument, take a little break every once in a while and watch these music documentaries now available on Netflix! You might find yourself a new passion in the mix before getting back to the MI campus in the new year.
1. Danny Says
Danny Says is a must-see for any diehard punk rock fans, as it follows Danny Fields, the legendary publicist who was in the heart of the scene. Danny Fields worked with icons like The Doors, MC5, The Stooges, and eventually discovered The Ramones.
2. Steve Aoki: I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead
This documentary follows the life and career of EDM superstar Steve Aoki, and how he was influenced by his trailblazing, entrepreneur dad, Rocky Aoki. The doc was nominated for a Grammy in 2016 for Best Music Film, so don’t miss it, especially if you’re an electronic music fan.
3. Amy
Amy is a heartbreaking look at the life of Amy Winehouse, full of personal videos and moments that will make you miss her talent more than ever before.
4. What Happened, Miss Simone?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moOQXZxriKY
This doc tells the story of the iconic Nina Simone through lost recordings and personal interviews in her own voice, which shine a light on the woman behind the voice.
5. Quincy
This Netflix original only needed one name to let you know who this was about: Quincy. Quincy Jones and his influence is woven deeply into the history of American music, and this doc of his life, from a young jazz arranger to producer of the most iconic tracks of all time, will surprise you at every turn.
6. When You’re Strange: A Film About The Doors
This film follows The Doors’ inception in 1965 and uses archival footage to show their rise to rock ‘n roll history.
7. The History of The Eagles
This documentary pretty much does what its title says, which is explain the history of The Eagles. The first part of the doc covers the band before their breakup in 1980, and the second part focuses on what happened beyond that. Some of the their musician friends were interviewed, including Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks and more.
8. 20 Feet From Stardom
This amazing documentary highlights the backup singers who have all made a huge impact on the most popular recordings in our century. 20 Feet From Stardom interviews the voices that all of us have heard our entire lives, but could never put a name to, and we hear stories about them from the biggest musicians in the world.
9. George Harrison: Living In The Material World
Martin Scorsese directed this documentary based on the life of George Harrison, told through stories from those closest to him and previously unseen footage. The doc was nominated for multiple awards, including six Emmys.
10. Gaga: 5 Foot 2
Lady Gaga is loud and vivacious as a performer, but her doc 5 Foot 2 gives look into her life living with chronic pain, recording a new album, and dealing with relationships, all while preparing for the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
11. It Might Get Loud
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12. Chasing Trane
Been itching to learn a little more about American music legends? Well this doc on John Coltrane will show you why he is considered on of the most influential saxophonists and jazz musicians in history.
13. Miss Sharon Jones!
Miss Sharon Jones! follows singer Sharon Jones as she battles her cancer diagnosis, while continuing to perform with her band, the Dap Kings.
14. Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage
This film offers an in-depth look at the Canadian progressive rock band Rush, going through their history and musical evolution over the years. The film made its debut at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival and was nominated for Best Long Form Music Video at the Grammys, losing out to When You’re Strange: A Film About The Doors.
15. Hired Gun
Similar to 20 Feet From Stardom, Hired Gun is a fascinating look at the session and tour musicians who are indispensable to modern music. You might not know their name, but the music industry (and your fave bands) would not be the same without them.
16. ReMastered: Who Shot The Sheriff?
Netflix’s ReMastered is a multi-episode series meant to delve into specific events in historical figures’ lives. Who Shot The Sheriff? focuses on Bob Marley’s involvement in the roots reggae movement and the mysterious circumstances around his shooting attempt in 1976.
17. Rapture
The 8 part series highlights different hip-hip artists as they share their life stories and their impact on current hip-hop culture. Some of the artists include, Logic, T.I., G-Eazy, 2 Chainz and more.