B.B. King: Into the Night

B.B. King: Into the Night is a captivating short documentary that offers a glimpse into the legendary blues guitarist's experience of working on the score for the 1985 film "Into the Night." The movie, directed by John Landis, stars Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer and follows the story of an automobile executive who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving beautiful women, international espionage, and high-stakes adventure. The film's score, composed by Ira Newborn with contributions from various artists, serves as a pivotal element in shaping the tone and atmosphere of the movie. As a renowned musician and guitarist, B.B. King was approached by Newborn to contribute to the project, bringing his unique blues sound to the film's soundtrack. The documentary delves into the making of the score, offering an intimate look at the creative process and King's interactions with the film's composer, as well as the cast and crew. Through a combination of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and vintage photographs, the documentary provides an engaging and informative exploration of King's experience on the set. One of the key highlights of the documentary is King's performance of the song "(When Things Go Wrong) It Ain't Me Blamin'," which became a central part of the film's score. The song, written by J.L. Wallace with lyrics inspired by the film's plot, showcases King's masterful guitar playing and soulful vocals, perfectly capturing the essence of the movie's narrative. The documentary also offers a fascinating glimpse into King's personal life and career, highlighting his accomplishments as a musician, songwriter, and performer. Viewers are treated to a series of candid interviews in which King reflects on his experiences, sharing stories about his early days on the blues circuit, his relationship with his instruments, and his enduring passion for music. Throughout the documentary, King's infectious enthusiasm and charismatic personality shine through, as he shares his insights on the film's creative process and his role within it. His collaborations with other musicians, such as drummer Billy Butts, result in memorable and evocative musical moments that add depth and texture to the film's score. As the documentary moves towards its conclusion, it becomes clear that King's involvement in the film "Into the Night" marked an important milestone in his career, one that highlighted his versatility as a musician and his appeal as a cultural icon. His contribution to the soundtrack helped to introduce his music to a new generation of listeners and cemented his status as a blues legend. Ultimately, B.B. King: Into the Night serves as a testament to the enduring power of music and the creative partnership that can arise between artists from different disciplines. The documentary offers a poignant reminder of King's profound influence on popular culture and his ability to transcend genres, as well as his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. The documentary's thoughtful examination of the film's making, combined with King's warm and engaging presence, results in a compelling and enlightening viewing experience that will delight both music enthusiasts and fans of classic cinema. As a celebration of B.B. King's remarkable career and a tribute to his contributions to the film industry, this short documentary is an essential addition to any music lover's library or film enthusiast's collection.