It All Begins With A Song
Directed By: Chusy Haney-Jardine
A good song paints the listener with a vivid picture. It’s a story that transports you into the singer’s life for just a few minutes. None of that would be possible without the songwriter. While it’s easy to assume that your favorite artist writes all of their music on their own, that’s often not the case. Behind the scenes, there is a group of collaborators working hard to keep their creative dreams alive: the songwriters.
It All Begins With A Song is a unique documentary and compelling documentary about the Nashville songwriters behind some of the world’s most famous songs. Ever wondered where the idea for the title of Journey’s hit “Don’t Stop Believing” came from? Co-writer Jonathan Cain has the inside story. Brett James, the co-writer of “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” shares information on the hit song and his time in the music industry. Mac Davis even gives some insight into writing “In the Ghetto” for Elvis Presley. Brad Paisley, Kacey Musgraves, and Garth Brooks also stop by to offer insight into the world of country music and Nashville songwriters. These are just a few of the many, many snippets of interviews that are provided in director Chusy Haney-Jardine’s documentary. Each songwriter has a Nashville connection and explains how the city connects them to music. Every conversation gives the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the world of songwriting.
One of my favorite aspects of the documentary is how each songwriter explains their writing process. It proves that there is not one universal technique for writing a great song. Instead, there are several unique ways for songwriters to tap into their creativity and get their song out into the world. That piece of music could have started from hearing one word or seeing a couple on a date. Then, those words grow into a hit for millions to enjoy. Inspiration strikes in everyday life. It’s the songwriter’s gift to turn regular occurrences into art.
Songwriter Chuck Cannon sums it up quite well when he states that songwriters are “obligated to tell the truth. Pretty much everything people go through is universal. If you tell the truth, it’s going to resonate.” It All Begins With A Song resonates with the audience by highlighting the experience of the music industries’ unsung heroes. This documentary is an inside look at the highs and lows of the songwriter in music city. Don’t miss out on hearing their fascinating stories!
My Rating: 8/10
It All Begins With A Song is available to rent on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play today!