Rebel Beat: The Story of L.A. Rockabilly

Synopsis of Rebel Beat: The Story of L.A. Rockabilly

While rockabilly -- the revved-up blend of country twang and R&B rhythm that helped kick-start the rock 'n' roll revolution in the Fifties -- was originally a product of the deep South, the sound found a loyal following in California, where the great honky-tonk guitar pickers who worked Los Angeles's recording studios and nightclubs took to the new style with great enthusiasm. In the Seventies, long after rockabilly was forgotten in most of America, the style made a major comeback on the Los Angeles rock scene, thanks in part to Ronnie Wesier, an Italian immigrant who loved the sounds of the first rock era and started the Rollin' Rock Records label to promote both new and old rockabilly acts, and Ray Campi, who cut a few rare singles in the Fifties before he was rediscovered by Wesier and became Rollin' Rock's flagship artist. Today, Los Angeles has arguably the biggest and most enthusiastic rockabilly scene in America, and the documentary Rebel Beat: The Story of L.A. Rockabilly looks at the past and present of L.A. roots rock through the eyes of both musicians and fans, and offers a look at related phenomena, such as East L.A.'s Latino rock scene and hipster car culture. Includes performances by Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys, Glen Glenn, the Paladins, Ray Campi, the Moonlight Cruisers and many more. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

105 mins

Categories:

Documentary

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