Series Synopsis

When a soul band of 30 schoolgirls loses their mentor and musical director, they must overcome a growing division that could destroy both their dream to tour America, and the band itself.

Episode Synopses

Episode 9: Kids In America

The band arrives in Memphis, the home of soul. At the Stax Academy workshop, they’re inspired as the director and students help funkify their moves. Ross is top of mind as they delve into the rich music history of Stax. Maddi moves legendary soul trumpeter, Wayne Jackson, to tears. After they witness the power of gospel at Al Green’s church, their first American gig - the Stax concert - is rained out.

The girls are America bound and bursting with excitement. They eventually arrive in Memphis, Tennessee in the early hours of morning. When they check into the Heartbreak Hotel, Elvis fan Jess M is overcome by emotion. They are supposed to go straight to bed because they have a workshop at the Stax Academy in a few hours, but sleep looks a long way off.

The Memphis sound is unique and very distinct, according to Artistic Director of the Stax Academy, Justin Merrick. It has driving rhythms, “Southern grit” and a laidback bluesy feel. Sweethearts arrive 45 minutes late for the workshop. It takes a while to set up and play but they impress. Both Justin and student, Tia Henderson, are amazed at the similarities between the Stax and Sweethearts programmes. Justin explains that soul music is spiritual and empowering for African Americans, because it emerged during the segregation era. Stax Records was one of the few places where blacks and whites gathered together as equals.

It pours down outside as Justin teaches the Sweethearts synergy, head pops, poses and a funkier attitude. And the girls respond. Steve’s delighted that Justin’s got the singers connecting with the band. It bodes well for Sweethearts’ American debut to 6,000 people at the Stax Music concert the next night.

Sweethearts’ tour path through America mirrors the Great Migration. Between 1910 and 1960, around 6 million African Americans moved from the South to the North. They were trying to escape severe segregation, unemployment and racial violence. They brought with them slave songs, early jazz and gospel that evolved into blues, rock ‘n’ roll, funk, hip-hop and soul.

The girls embark on more music history with a tour of the Stax Museum with Stax royalty: Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns. He played trumpet on dozens of Stax hits, and recorded with Otis Redding. He says they all played better for Otis. It’s a parallel to Ross, who’s top of mind. It’s sinking in that this is what Ross wanted and they are doing it without him. After Maddi discovers stories of the segregation era, she humbly plays trumpet for Wayne. He’s moved to tears and Maddi is blown away.

The girls’ eye-opening musical education continues ahead of their American debut at Stax concert that night. Soul music has strong roots in gospel. To experience it they visit the church of renowned soul singer turned preacher, Al Green. The girls are in awe of the infectious, uplifting music. Bishop Valentine give thanks for the rain tumbling down outside.

The rain continues to fall and there’s flooding throughout Memphis. Just hours away from their first American gig, Jess E finds out via Instagram that the Stax gig has just been postponed due to flooding at the venue. The band has to cancel a Nashville gig in order to stay in Memphis and play at the rescheduled concert a few days later.

They will have to wait a little longer to play their first American gig.