Documentary highlights the struggles and triumphs of renowned singer Jay Douglas, with a star-studded soundtrack and interviews with music legends
Toronto, Ontario, February 5, 2024 – TVO Docs presents the world premiere of Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul, a TVO Original documentary uncovers how Jamaican music became a pivotal and unexpected part of Canadian culture, establishing Canada as a mecca for Jamaican music in the 60s and 70s, paving the way for today’s Black Canadian music stars. The documentary will be available to stream starting February 14 on TVO.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enpYCltuA5w
Play It Loud! chronicles the life, music, struggles, and triumphs of the beloved Jamaican Canadian singer Jay Douglas. In the early 1960’s Toronto was a mostly white, Anglo-centric city and beneath its veneer of Conservative respectability, an exciting underground music scene emerged, created by a Jamaican diaspora including newcomers like Jackie Mittoo, Wayne McGhie and a teenage Douglas. Though Douglas gained global recognition, his achievements went largely unnoticed at home in Toronto. Battling racism and indifference, these artists made an indelible, but little appreciated mark on Canadian music and culture. Now six decades later, Jay Douglas is still carrying the torch for Jamaican music and enjoying the recognition and respect he has long craved.
Play it Loud! includes appearances by legendary producer Sly Dunbar (of Sly & Robbie fame), rapper Cadence Weapon (Rollie Pemberton), singer Jackie Richardson, Everton “Pablo Paul”, reggae stars Adrian Miller and Carlene Davis, former MuchMusic host Michael Williams, and many others.
The film also features an iconic soundtrack that includes the music of Jay Douglas, Bob Marley & The Wailers, James Brown, The Cougars, Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles, Wayne McGhie, Bo Diddley, Eddie Spencer, and The Sheiks.
The TVO Original Play It Loud! is a collaboration with Ultramagnetic Productions. Directed by Graeme Mathieson, produced by Andrew Munger (Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band), and Executive Produced by Clement Virgo (Brother, The Wire). For TVO Docs, Alexandra Roberts is the Commissioning Editor and Aidan Denison is Production Executive.
Play It Loud! makes its digital premiere February 14 on the TVO Docs YouTube channel, TVO.org and Smart TV app and the broadcast premiere on February 16 at 9 p.m. on TVO.
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TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through our brands TVO Today, TVO Docs, TVO Learn, TVO ILC and TVOkids, we’re investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. TVO is a registered charity funded in part by the Province of Ontario and supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. Visit TVO.me for more information. Stream TVO on your favourite device.
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ABOUT ULTRAMAGNETIC PRODUCTIONS
Ultramagnetic is a 30-year-old Toronto based content creation company, headed by Emmy Award winning filmmaker Andrew Munger. For over 30 years, Andrew Munger has been producing compelling content for major brands, including CBC, Hulu, NHK, Arte, Sky, BBC Starz, TVO, Discovery, History, Bell Media, Corus Entertainment. Recent productions include: Emmy winner Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry it On (2022; Bell/Crave, PBS American Masters); Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson & The Band, (opening night film @ TIFF 2019, Bell Media, Hulu, Polygram, Martin Scorsese, Magnolia Pictures, Imagine); Emmy nominated Toxic Beauty (2018; CBC/documentary Channel, Starz)
Media Contact: Genevieve Grant, TVO| ggrant@tvo.org