Forty years ago today, Stax Records put together a monumental concert that gathered over 100,000 people in Los Angeles. The Wattstax concert was an event that was more than just the talent and music it hosted; it was a statement on important social issues.
On August 20th, 1972, Stax Records organized a musical platform for injustice with social inequalities. The event was held to bring light to the tragic Watt riots of Los Angeles in 1965. Performances included The Staples Singers, Rufus Thomas, The Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, and many more. Over 112,000 people came out to support both the music and the riot that it commemorated.
To honor the anniversary of Wattstax concert, a special discussion panel as well as a Q&A will be held at the Stax Museum tonight.
Wattstax organizer and former Stax Records owner Al Bell, along with Stax Legend William Bell, members of The Temprees and The Soul Children, and others will all participate in the panel, giving insight to the event and its cultural significance. Come out to learn more about the concert, those who participated, and its resulting cultural resonance.
The event is $5 for Stax Museum members and $10 for non-members. It will go from 6-8 pm, and refreshments will be served. Come out to get a healthy serving of soulful history.
