The acclaimed 2008 documentary “Song Sung Blue,” chronicling the extraordinary lives of a Neil Diamond tribute act, is now freely accessible on YouTube, nearly two decades after its initial release. This newfound availability brings to light a film that has deeply resonated with independent filmmakers, including director Craig Brewer, who has long championed its raw authenticity and the struggles of its creator.
The film centers on Thunder and Lightning, a husband-and-wife duo from Milwaukee known for their dedicated Neil Diamond tribute performances. Their compelling and often poignant love story, depicted with striking honesty by director Greg Kohs, captivated audiences and critics alike, with many observers noting its inherent dramatic potential, suggesting it could easily form the basis of a fictional narrative.
Behind the documentary’s touching narrative lies the challenging journey of its director, Greg Kohs. He navigated the arduous landscape of independent filmmaking, working with a minimal budget and facing significant hurdles in securing distribution. Kohs’ efforts to get “Song Sung Blue” seen, including years spent on the film festival circuit, underscore the persistent difficulties faced by artists operating outside mainstream industry support.
Director Craig Brewer, known for films such as “Hustle & Flow,” expresses a profound kinship with Kohs and the documentary. Brewer consistently highlights the immense effort required for low-budget, independent productions where filmmakers receive little to no financial backing. He regards “Song Sung Blue” as a powerful testament to passion-driven artistry, a sentiment forged from his own experiences in the independent film world.
Brewer vividly recalls his own early career struggles, citing his debut film, “The Poor and Hungry,” which he shot on a video camera with a two-person crew and local, unpaid actors in Memphis. This personal history of navigating film festivals with minimal attendance and lacking widespread distribution mirrors Kohs’ journey, fostering a deep understanding and respect between the two directors for their shared commitment to storytelling.
For years, accessing the original “Song Sung Blue” documentary proved a significant challenge. Brewer himself recounts having to personally order burned DVD copies directly from Kohs, then inviting people to his home to watch the rare film. This anecdote highlights the grassroots distribution efforts and the dedication required to share such a unique and inaccessible piece of cinema, emphasizing its cult status among appreciative viewers.
Brewer articulates a strong critique of contemporary metrics for artistic success, arguing against the prevailing notion that box office returns or commercial percentages should dictate a project’s value. He contends that this focus risks diverting artists from their true purpose: finding their voice within their communities and creating art that resonates on a personal and communal level, rather than solely pursuing widespread commercial appeal.
This perspective extends to a broader advocacy for celebrating local bands and artists, suggesting that society often overlooks those who create for their immediate audiences in favor of those who fill arenas. Brewer champions the authenticity and unique connection found in local artistry, viewing it as a more profound measure of success than commercial scale, a principle exemplified by the unassuming success of Thunder and Lightning.
The availability of “Song Sung Blue” on YouTube marks a pivotal moment, finally offering a global audience free access to a documentary previously shrouded in obscurity. This move not only honors Greg Kohs’ original vision but also allows a new generation to discover the compelling narrative of Thunder and Lightning, alongside the broader discussion it provokes about the nature of artistic achievement.
Both Greg Kohs and Craig Brewer, through their respective works and shared admiration, are now ensuring that the story of Thunder and Lightning receives the wider recognition it deserves. The enduring appeal of their homegrown success serves as a powerful reminder of the impact local stories and independent voices can have, transcending commercial metrics to touch audiences deeply.
