Miss Sharon Jones!

Miss Sharon Jones! is an insightful and impactful documentary film that premiered on Amazon Addon in 2015. The film centers on the life and career of the dynamic and inspiring Sharon Jones, a Grammy-nominated American soul and funk singer. Known for her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, Jones was a force in soul and funk music, leading her band, the Dap-Kings, to international acclaim.

This is not just a documentary about her career in music, but also about strength and resilience, as Jones invites us into her world to share her experiences battling pancreatic cancer while at the peak of her career. The film offers an intimate portrayal of Jones's personal journey as she struggles to uphold her career in the face of a life-threatening illness.

Miss Sharon Jones! was directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Barbara Kopple. Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Barbara Kopple serve as the producers of this remarkable film. The film seamlessly blends concert footage, personal interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments captured during two of the most critical years of her life.

The film begins by delving into Jones's early life, showing us the upbringing and experiences that led to her late-blooming career. Sharon Jones was known for breaking into the business later in life, well into her 40s, and paved the way for those who believed they were too old to become successful musicians. This narrative gives viewers an insight into Jones's fierce determination and resilience right from the get-go.

As we delve deeper into Jones's world, we witness her humility and conviction as she deals with her diagnosis. Despite her illness, we see Jones refusing to be silenced, choosing courageously to continue touring, recording, and doing what she loves most – creating music that resonates with people across the globe.

The director and her team bring us closer to Jones's world further by documenting the ups and downs of her battle with cancer. We see how her illness influences her music, physically straining her yet simultaneously sparking her creativity in soulful and heart-wrenching notes. The powerful footage of she crashing through her fears, regardless of the odds, will undoubtedly touch a chord with viewers, making this film a tribute not just to her music but to her fighting spirit as well.

Jones's band, the Dap-Kings, also feature prominently in the documentary, demonstrating the undying support they had for their front-woman. Not just colleagues, they were her friends, her support system, and the film tenderly presents the camaraderie they shared. We see them standing beside Jones in solidarity, reaffirming their support even as she visibly struggles with her health.

The film also touches on the social and racial prejudices Jones faced during her early career. It particularly highlights how these challenges contributed to her late career start. Nonetheless, Jones’s determination always kept her pushing forwards, ever-undaunted by the roadblocks that lay in her path.

Miss Sharon Jones! is an uplifting and powerful film that proves to be an entertaining and enlightening experience. It takes us through the many twists and turns in Jones's career - from late-blooming success to confronting and battling cancer, never losing sight of her extraordinary spirit.

This documentary not only showcases the music that Jones made but also her fight for life, presenting her not only as a fabulous singer but also as a beacon of courage. Viewers will find themselves moved by her unwavering spirit, her deep love for her craft, her function as the linchpin of her band, and the joy she derived from performing.

In summary, Miss Sharon Jones! is more than a behind-the-music-style documentary. It's a deep and personal exploration of a fascinating woman's life, her passion for music, her battle with cancer, and her incredible resilience. It is poignant, inspirational, and a testament to the human spirit's indomitable strength. The film showcases the life of a remarkable woman, demonstrating the power of resilience and the transformative strength of music.