Films: The Wonderful Family of Divas

The Wonderful Family of Divas

USA, 2011, 67 Minute Running Time
Genre/Subjects: African-American, Documentary, Music
Program: Documentary Films
Language: English

DIRECTOR: Gary Keys
Producer: Douglas Durst (exec)
Editor: Emily Morse
Principal Cast: Whitney Houston, Dianne Warwick, The Drinkard Singers, Cissy Houston

The Wonderful World of Divas is a toe-tapping, finger-snapping look into one of America’s most musically influential families: the Drinkards, whose long and rich tradition of gospel produced such luminaries as Dionne Warwick, Cissy Houston, and Whitney Houston. Featuring contemporary and archival performance footage—some of it never-before-seen—as well as exclusive interviews, Divas traces the history of this talented family while celebrating the spirit and the power of gospel music to heal, to transcend…and above all to entertain.

Director Gary Keys, a frequent guest of the Denver festival (from Memories of Duke, DIFF5, to Count Basie: Then as Now, Count’s the King, SDFF32), introduces us to Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspirations, who sang backup for such marquee legends as Elvis and Aretha Franklin; follows Dionne Warwick’s powerful rise to stardom through her work with Burt Bacharach; chronicles Whitney Houston’s journey to superstardom; and captures nostalgic performances by the Drinkard Singers, Roberta Flack, Gary Houston, and The Drinkard Singers II.
—RON HENDERSON

You might also enjoy...

• 

  Beyond Iconic

  USA , 2011 , 75 min. The works of late photographer Dennis Stock may be better known than he ever was, but in Hanna Sawka Hamaguchi’s documentary he holds forth with the same eloquence, clarity, and confidence that characterizes his images (including the iconic portrait of James Dean in Times Square).... more
• 

  Bob and the Monster

  USA , 2011 , 87 min. Documentarian Keirda Bahruth spent six years tracing the rise, fall, and near-miraculous return of Thelonious Monster frontman Bob Forrest—from arrogant young singer-songwriter poised for megastardom to heroin-addled wreck to compassionate addiction counselor.... more
• 

  Cinema Q presents: Chely Wright - Wish Me Away

  USA , 2011 , 96 min. Must end Thursday, June 21st at the Denver FilmCenter/Colfax Digital presentation - Chely Wright: Wish Me Away is the story of Chely Wright, the first country music star to come out as gay. Over three years, the filmmakers were given extraordinary access to Chely's struggle and her un... more
• 

  Flor de Muertos

  USA , 2010 , 86 min. Flor de Muertos examines the realities of living on two borders at once—one between life and death, the other between Tucson and Nogales. This unconventional documentary combines social commentary with a Day of the Dead concert film featuring the moody indie outfit Calexico.... more
• 

  Play Like a Lion

  USA , 2011 , 72 min. “Emperor of Melody” Ali Akbar Khan brought Indian classical music to the United States in 1955; his son Alam has dedicated his life to keeping Khan’s legend alive. This documentary tribute explores their loving relationship and extraordinary musical influence.... more