This one-hour film tells the story of how two musical geniuses created the first black-owned record label in Florida and changed the face of soul music in Miami forever. This one-hour film explores the early days of soul music in Florida, the era’s pioneers and their lasting contributions to the broader American musical landscape.

During the mid-1960s two musical geniuses Willie Clarke and Johnny Pearsall created the record label called Deep City Records. Both from the streets of Miami, Clarke and Pearsall honed their business and musical skills learned in college. From the back room of Johnny’s Record Store located in Overtown, they went on to change the sound of soul music in Miami and eventually the country.

Deep City Records brought local talent to the forefront, including singers Helene Smith and Betty Wright, groups such as Frank Williams & the Rocketeers and Johnny Killens & The Dynamites, guitarist/singer legend Willie “Little Beaver” Hale and Willie Clarke’s songwriting partner and singer Clarence “Blowfly” Reid. “Deep City” delves into the life and times of these groundbreaking producers, their label, the artists they spawned and the remarkable era in which they accomplished it.

The screening of DEEP CITY will feature:

+ A director Q&A +  Special Musical Performances + Interactive events

Tickets