Product Details

• Actors: Willie May Ford Smith, Thomas A. Dorsey, Delois Barrett Campbell, Billie Barrett GreenBey, Sallie Martin
• Directors: George T. Nierenberg
• Format: Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: First Run Features
• VHS Release Date: November 16, 1999
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303251595
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,623 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Anyone who loves soul music or rhythm & blues probably knows that it all springs from the roots of gospel music. This 1982 documentary by director George T. Nierenberg breaks it all down beautifully as he examines the lives and careers of a handful of since-departed gospel stars, who helped create the genre from which so many other forms of music flowed. Focusing on the aging but still vigorous "Professor" Thomas A. Dorsey and "Mother" Willie Mae Ford, he also offers musical moments by such gospel stalwarts as Sallie Martin and the Barrett Sisters. Live performances are mixed with telling, sometimes touching reminiscences by these pioneers of a musical style, all leading to several striking points: principally, that this energetic music took time to be accepted by the conservatives in the church, and that the music itself has a surprising power to raise spirits and confirm faith. Yet it's all done in a way that is spiritual without being preachy. A truly joyful film. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll be moved to sing along in praise!, March 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Say Amen Somebody [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I saw this during its debut in an arts theatre of Chicago, the setting for some parts of the film and a major birthplace of gospel music. It moved me deeply then and still does today when I see it. A wonderful tapestry of the soul, history, spirit, blues, and people of gospel music, "Say Amen Somebody" is a feel-good documentary film about one of the most prolific gifts African-Americans have given to America culture.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Down home church! - Say Amen Somebody!, November 15, 2001

By 

Valencia Littlejohn (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Say Amen Somebody [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The best of the best and the greatest of the greatest gospel legends! I stayed up until 3 am and did not want to stop watching! The video took me back to my grandmother's church back home in Alabama. They say that you can't go back but this is the next best thing. My grandmother has gone on to heaven now, and eventhough she is not in the video it is almost like she is with me again.

Wonderful video. Gets you back to the roots of true gospel music, singing because your soul is happy, and simple down home people who just want to give praise!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Superb, September 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Say Amen Somebody [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is more fun than you could imagine. The strength of the music and the faith will get your heart moving! It is a testament to the power of Gospel nusic for people of ALL races. Thomas Dorsey is a man whose undying love for God shines through every minute of his music and even more when he speaks about the growth of modern Gospel. This is a MUST video for any school teaching music.