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Learn more- Based on Dean Alger's internationally acclaimed book, this is the story of "one of the true geniuses of 20 Th century music" (Steven Tracy, author & musician). B.B. King: "Lonnie Johnson was the most influential guitarist of the century." But Lonnie never got the recognition he deserved. So, this is an ultimate Great Musical Figure Rediscovered story; it will be a revelation to many-especially for Black folks. But many do know his music: Performance film of Lonnie from 1963 on YouTube has over 8 million views. In the interview with B.B. King for the film, he said Lonnie was his "model" as a musician and as a man. The story starts in New Orleans, where Lonnie soaked up the rich musical environment, then profoundly affected the development of American music. Rave review of the book in Britain's famous music magazine MOJO said: "This ambitious book sets out to place Lonnie Johnson as a cross-cultural visionary in the veins of Charlie Christian or Jimi Hendrix, and succeeds brilliantly. With a lucid explanation of Johnson's music, plus many anecdotes both poignant and inspiring, this excellent biography does full justice to an under-appreciated musical titan." An extraordinary cast of great and iconic American musicians appears in the documentary: Bob Dylan ("I must say, Lonnie Johnson greatly influenced me"), B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy (who idolized Lonnie, like BB), Jimmy Page, Buddy Holly, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington (both of whom Lonnie made landmark jazz records with), Pete Seeger, Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi, etc. But, VITAL BROADER THEMES-Beyond Biography: Lonnie was prime Founding Father of powerful, virtuoso guitar-playing for blues and jazz, and ultimately for much of American popular music. He was The Original Guitar Hero. The film explores the development of artistry on guitar after Lonnie's innovations, and how and why it became the dominant instrument in popular music, and a major cultural icon. In Images, see "Play It Loud" exhibition at NY Metropolitan Museum of Art. In compelling, at times riveting manner, this shows "The Magic & Power of The Guitar," with a series of great guitarist performances. Guitar lovers and players will be fascinated and inspired. Further, it reviews how The Power of Music played a big role in progress on race relations in America, and how the guitar, with its unparalleled expressive capacities in the hands of masters, has served as a powerful instrument for expression on other big societal issues, from ill-considered war to Climate Change (subject of Alger's stunning short video, with original music: "The Skies Cried and the Earth Burned").
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What is the English language plot outline for The Original Guitar Hero and the Power of Music?
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