Documentary to tell story of Jacksonville and roots of Southern rock

[thelakelander]

Some of the finest examples of Southern rock has come roaring out of Jacksonville, guitars blazing, vocals snarling, for more than four decades.

There was Lynyrd Skynyrd, of course. But dozens of other bands and musicians — among them .38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, the Allman Brothers, Mofro and Derek Trucks — have roots that run through Jacksonville.

Most people couldn’t make that connection between the city and the music.

A documentary project in the works aims to change that, while trying to answer one big question.

“Why did this happen here?” asks Michael Ray FitzGerald, a producer of the film. “Of all places?”

Mark Kohl, who plans to direct, echoes that: “How did some of the best guitar music of all time come out of Lee High from a a bunch of long-haired rednecks?” he said. “It needs to be told and it needs to be told right.”

Full article: https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20181208/guitar-town-documentary-to-tell-story-of-jacksonville-and-roots-of-southern-rock

[Downtown Osprey]

Very cool! Can't wait to check that out. It's really a shame we don't embrace this more than we do. There's no reason we shouldn't have recognition as towns like Memphis or Nashville.

[thelakelander]

I totally agree. Digging into, exposing, preserving and promoting things that are authentic to us locally is what can truly set Jax apart. It would be great if COJ and the local media took more initiative in these areas as opposed to worrying about things like moving the jail, the Shipyards, detonating buildings simply for being vacant, etc.

[Downtown Osprey]

^ Exactly. You could have an reactivate entire block dedicated to not only southern rock but music in general.  You could have a southern rock museum, live venues, restaurants, etc all in the name of Jax Music history.

[Adam White]

I always thought a museum of Jacksonville would make sense. It could include the city's music history, film history, architecture, civil rights history, etc. Something like that in the place of MOSH would be great (nothing against MOSH, but it's kind of lame).

[KenFSU]

I always thought a museum of Jacksonville would make sense. It could include the city's music history, film history, architecture, civil rights history, etc. Something like that in the place of MOSH would be great (nothing against MOSH, but it's kind of lame).

Agreed.

On a high level, this is what Lori Boyer ultimately envisions for the riverwalk.

A walkable history of Jacksonville told through 10-20 themed "nodes."

Some cool historical touches will be coming at the Times-Union center.