Rob Bowman, a Grammy Award-winning ethnomusicologist and professor in York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), recently took on a co-executive producer role on the HBO documentary series STAX: Soulsville U.S.A. The series chronicles the musicians, songwriters and producers who created the signature Stax sound in 1960s Memphis, Tenn.
Bowman, who has been teaching at York University since 1979, is recognized as one of the world's foremost experts on Stax Records and soul music. His award-winning book, Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records, earned him a spot in the Blues Hall of Fame. This work also helped lay the foundation for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, transforming the public perception of Stax and its role in the music industry.
The new HBO docuseries, which Bowman considers the “final word, in terms of a documentary film” on the subject, presents a unique opportunity for a broader audience to experience the rich history of Stax Records. While his book goes into greater detail, Bowman notes that the docuseries has the potential to reach a much wider audience. “People are more likely to watch a four-hour film than read a book,” he says.
Bowman’s connection to Stax runs deep, dating back to his early discovery of the label through a Rolling Stones cover of an Otis Redding song. His expertise has not only shaped his academic career but also led to collaborations with music legends, including Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. Reflecting on his journey, Bowman recalls how the Rolling Stones were so captivated by his work on Stax that they invited him on tour for three weeks to discuss the artistry behind their music.
For Bowman, teaching and research are inextricably linked. He pioneered the academic study of popular music, challenging conventional academic wisdom that once regarded popular music as “a lesser subject.”
“When I was an undergraduate, no one was teaching me about the music that mattered most – not only to me but to people worldwide,” says Bowman, “so I decided I would be the one to pioneer the study and teaching of this music.”
Through his groundbreaking work, Bowman continues to shape the future of popular music education and inspire the next generation of scholars and artists, inspiring hundreds of York University students over the years. His recent role on the HBO docuseries is a testament to his lifelong devotion to documenting and preserving the legacy of soul music.