Director’s statement

From an early age, Clyde Stubblefield was someone I was fortunate to get to know and spend time with. Clyde embraced me at a point when I hadn’t even fully comprehended just how impactful his work was. I not only cherished our friendship, but I cherished his existence. His willingness to invite me into his life was a privilege I’ll never take for granted.

As our relationship developed, not only did I become more conscious of his undeniable influence on modern music, but I began to see the complexities of him as an individual that lead me to the conclusion that he was—and I don’t say this lightly— nothing short of a musical genius.

These revelations only heightened my frustrations with the lack of credit he received for his contributions, thus further motivating me to ensure that not only his full story be told, but that his legacy as a pioneer and innovator becomes cemented within American music history.

- Trevor Banks, Director