On June 8, the Grammy Museum screened the documentary Heart and Soul: A Love Story. Their presentation honored Black Music Appreciation Month. The award-winning feature told the oral histories of rhythm and blues musicians. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, these artists started rock music. Director, producer, and singer Kenny Vance guided viewers through vital artifacts.
The film showed Vance’s recordings and reflections. Also, it displayed his interviews with long-time friends, admirable musicians, and collaborators. Artists included The Chantels, The Dubs, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, and Little Anthony and the Imperials. These revolutionary Black and Latine artists transformed music.
Their lyrics, harmonies, dance routines, and styles inspired children. In school hallways and subway stations, people arranged a-cappella songs. The musicians created the classic doo-woop genre as well.
The music style empowers many generations. Top brand advertisers and Hollywood filmmakers use the songs in their content. Heart and Soul discussed social and political topics too.
The film showed raw primary accounts of artists at the beginning of their careers. In the entertainment industry, they attempted to tell previously-unheard stories. They combatted issues of equity and recognition. Their content displayed their hopes and talents. The event’s presentation included special guests.
Hip-hop icon, music producer, and comedian Christopher “Kid” Reid delivered a contextual opening monologue. The speech grounded viewers in the time period’s music and social scenes. It clearly defined the film’s core messages: inclusivity and social change.
Nationally recognized brand architect, TV personality, and author Ericka Pittman emceed the event. She moderated a post-screening discussion with Vance. In the conversation, he demonstrated his vast music knowledge, made possible by his robust career.
He is an original member of the hit ‘60s group Jay and the Americans. The band opened for The Beatles and Rolling Stones’ first U.S. concerts. Outside of performing, Vance played a role in various sectors of pop culture.
He worked as Musical Director for Saturday Night Live. He organized debut guest performances by Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Prince. His efforts influenced the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Steely Dan. Vance produced and musically-supervised films too.
Credits included Animal House (1978), The Warriors (1979), Hairspray (1988), and Looking for an Echo (2000). He worked on American Hot Wax (1978), Heart of Dixie (1989), Hard Promise (1991), and Into My Heart (1998). He used over eight decades of experience to preserve American mid-century music history. Heart and Soul served as a vivid culmination of his efforts.
The Garden State Film Festival awarded his directorial debut with “Best Feature Film Documentary.”
