#WorldMusicDay: Must-watch documentaries about music legends and pop stars

For ages, attempts have been made to describe what music does to our soul and mind, and despite so much being said—some call music life itself, some say it's a dream, the ultimate truth—nothing comes close to describing the importance music has in our existence. Thus, on World Music Day (June 21), we celebrate all those who create music. It is a day dedicated to encouraging participation and showcasing the diversity of musical expressions worldwide. Over the years, music has given us countless legends whose evergreen tunes and melodies continue to lift us, encourage us, and make us believe a little more. And the lives and work of some of these legends have been recorded in the form of documentaries, which give us an insight into the method behind their madness and the making of some of the most popular songs in history. 

So, if you're looking to watch some path-breaking documentaries that revolve around the life of a music maestro, we've got the perfect list for you.    

Amy

If there was one word to describe Amy Winehouse, it would be 'a wave'. This powerhouse of talent rose to great heights, only to see it all come crashing down. The documentary tells the heart-breaking story, which is as devastating as it is beautiful. In this Asif Kapadia documentary, they highlight the emotional turmoil that Winehouse had to deal with and her addiction problems, but also celebrate her work and how great a musician, singer, and songwriter she was. 

Searching for Sugar Man

It’s safe to say that musicians leave behind a legacy, but when they leave behind a mysterious death, it’s unsettling for the fans. Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to the American singer, songwriter, and rock-and-roll star Sixto Rodriguez, who was rumoured to have passed away due to suicide, and find way more than they hoped for. It’s one of the most engaging and tightly wound musical documentaries out there.

Pink Floyd: Live At Pompeii

This concert film directed by Adrian Maben features the English rock group performing at the iconic Roman Amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy. Despite it being a recording of a ‘live’ performance, the only audience seen throughout the 80-minute footage is the film crew. It features songs like Echoes, Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun, Careful with that Axe, Eugene, A Saucerful of Secrets, One of those days, and many more in a setting filled with ancient sculptures, and trippy camera effects. It also features studio footage from the recordings of Dark Side of the Moon, as well as interviews with the band.

Cocksucker Blues

Sex, drugs, and rock and roll—the perfect ingredients for a music documentary. This one is an unreleased documentary (you’d still find it online) directed by still photographer Robert Frank, who sets out to chronicle The Rolling Stones American Tour 1972 in support of their album 'Exile on Main St'. Throughout the course of the documentary, you realise they were making music and lived a life on the wild side, bordering on the extreme, to put it mildly. 

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé    

This documentary, directed by the diva herself is all about showcasing just how great a demographic the African-American community is. Every aspect of the show—from the choreography, lighting, stage design, the 100 performers etc.—is a grand celebration of their culture. And watching Beyonce own the stage makes you want to jump off your seat and groove with her. The documentary is inarguably one of the most astounding and triumphant musical performances ever. We bow down to the queen. 

George Michael: Freedom

This documentary revolves around the life and career of the late Grammy Award winner in the build-up to his best-selling album ‘Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1’ and the events after it, which included an infamous High Court battle with his record label and the death of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa. Filmed before Michael’s untimely passing, the documentary is narrated by the singer, who was heavily involved in the making of the film which serves as his final work. We see some never-seen-before archival and private home footage, giving viewers a first-person account of the dramatic period in his life and revealing how he became one of the most influential recording artists of all time. 

Queen: Days of Our Lives

Queen: Days of Our Lives recounts the fascinating story of Freddie Mercury’s legendary rock band Queen. It features rare footage, interviews with the band and management, and clips from various concerts throughout the pinnacle of the band’s success. The film is made in two parts—the success the band tasted during the70s, and the second part showcases the chaos in their careers in the 80s.