Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul
“Play it Loud is a feature documentary that tells the little known story of how Jamaican music became a critical and unlikely part of Canadian culture, told through the life, music, struggles and triumphs of beloved singer Jay Douglas.”
2024•1h 24m•Released
MusicDocumentary
In early 1960s Toronto, a white, Anglo-centric city, an underground music scene emerged from the Jamaican diaspora, led by newcomers like Jackie Mittoo, Wayne McGhie, and a young Jay Douglas. Battling racism and indifference, they left a lasting but underrecognized mark on Canadian music and culture. Nearly 60 years later, Jay Douglas still champions Jamaican music and is finally receiving long-overdue recognition. Play It Loud is a feature documentary that tells the little-known story of how Jamaican music became a vital, unlikely part of Canadian culture. It traces a cultural migration that made Canada a global hub for Jamaican music - celebrated abroad but overlooked at home. Told through the life and music of beloved singer Jay Douglas, born Clive Pinnock in rural Jamaica, the film follows his journey from teen performer to enduring icon.
Director
Graeme Mathieson
Writer
Graeme Mathieson, Brina Romanek
Budget
$1M
Languages
English
Studio
Ultramagnetic Productions
Cast
Jay Douglas
Jay Douglas
Jackie Richardson
Jackie Richardson
Lowell 'Sly' Dunbar
Lowell 'Sly' Dunbar
Rollie "Cadence Weapon" Pemberton
Rollie "Cadence Weapon" Pemberton
Lillian Allen
Lillian Allen
Klive Walker
Klive Walker
Nicholas Jennings
Nicholas Jennings
Carlene Davis
Carlene Davis
Grub Cooper
Grub Cooper
Supreme La Rock
Supreme La Rock
Michael Williams
Michael Williams
Eddie Bullen
Eddie Bullen
Henry Marks
Henry Marks
Everton Pablo Paul
Everton Pablo Paul
Adrian Miller
Adrian Miller
Production
Company
Ultramagnetic Productions
Company
TVO
Company
Knowledge Network
Company
Bonfire Originals
Producer
Andrew Munger
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