Cadillac Records

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Cadillac Records
Directed by Darnell Martin
Produced by Sofia Sondervan
Andrew Lack
Written by Darnell Martin
Starring Adrien Brody
Cedric the Entertainer
Beyoncé Knowles
Columbus Short
Jeffrey Wright
Country United States
Language English
Allmovie profile
IMDb profile

Cadillac Records is an upcoming biographical film and a musical drama written and directed by African-American film director Darnell Martin. Exploring the 1950s musical era, the film chronicles the life of the influential Chicago-based record-company executive Leonard Chess, and the singers who recorded for Chess Records.

The film stars American actors Adrien Brody as Chess, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, Mos Def as Chuck Berry, Columbus Short as Little Walter and Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters. Set as co-executive producer, Beyoncé Knowles will play as Etta James.

Contents

[edit] Background

Leonard Chess was a record-company executive from Chicago, Illinois, the co-founder of the 1950 American record label Chess Records. He ran the legendary company with his brother, Phil, through the 1950s and '60s.[1] The label started selling albums at the back of Chess' Cadillac,[2] and had launched the careers of legendary musical personalities such as American blues singers and harmonica and guitar players Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf, American blues musician Muddy Waters, American soul legend Etta James[3] and American guitarist singer-songwriters Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley.[4]

[edit] Production

[edit] Writing

The screenplay was written by film director Darnell Martin.[2]

[edit] Casting

Originally, American actor Matt Dillon was slated to play the role of Chess,[4] but was given to American actor Adrien Brody due to his conflicting schedules.[5] Casts include American actors Columbus Short as Little Walter and Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters[1] and American R&B singer-actress Beyoncé Knowles as Etta James.[3] The roster also includes Canadian actress Emmanuelle Chriqui, actor and American comedian Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon and American actress Tammy Blanchard.[6][7][2]

[edit] Filming

The filming of Cadillac Records started in February 2008, in New Jersey and Mississippi, United States.[6] Martin directed the film,[1][3] and shot for Sony BMG Film.[4]

Cadillac Records was produced by Andrew Lack and Sofia Sondervan,[7] and co-executive produced by Beyoncé Knowles.[1]

[edit] Music

American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music producer Steve Jordan will produce the music for the film.[8] Beyoncé is set to record four songs for the soundtrack, including a cover version of Etta James "At Last", to be released by Music World Entertainment and Columbia Records.[8]

[edit] Cast


[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Rodriguez, Jayson. "Beyonce To Portray Legendary Blues Singer Etta James In 'Cadillac Records'", MTV News, (2008-02-20). Retrieved on 2008-03-28. 
  2. ^ a b c Hollywood reporter. "Beyonce Producing, Starring in 'Cadillac Records'", Entertainment Weekly, (2008-02-20). Retrieved on 2008-03-28. 
  3. ^ a b c Tilly, Chris. "Beyonce Signs to Cadillac Records", IGN, (2008-02-20). Retrieved on 2008-03-28. 
  4. ^ a b c Simmons, Leslie. "Matt Dillon playing Chess in music movie", Reuters, (2007-10-15). Retrieved on 2008-03-28. 
  5. ^ Hollywood reporter. "Brody, Wright Starring in 'Cadillac'", Entertainment Weekly, (2008-01-22). Retrieved on 2008-03-28. 
  6. ^ a b IGN staff. "Cadillac Cast", IGN, (2008-01-22). Retrieved on 2008-03-28. 
  7. ^ a b Haves, Dade. "Brody, Wright set to drive 'Cadillac'", Variety, (2008-01-21). Retrieved on 2008-03-28. 
  8. ^ a b "Beyonce Starring In Chess Records Film", Billboard, Nielsen Business Media, Inc., (2008-02-20). Retrieved on 2008-03-30. 
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