I’ll be honest, I wasn't particularly familiar with this mysterious and vibrant figure beforehand, and Lisa Cortes’s film proved to be an absorbing and informative introduction. The documentary combines archival footage with interviews, offering a look at an openly gay man who can legitimately say he "invented" rock 'n roll – responsible for more than a dozen instantly recognizable songs that stick in your head. As is often the case when dealing with musical careers, there are familiar stories of industry dealings, his relationships with sex, drugs, and alcohol, and eventually, his return to religion, which seemed like his last resort. The film moves along at a good clip, though I would have liked to see more of his actual performances, particularly since his songs were generally quite brief. It’s remarkable that so much footage still survives, and the use of older material really helps show not only how captivating he was as an entertainer but also how impactful he – and his music – were in providing some avenues for racial and sexual acceptance during a period when segregation persisted and homosexuality remained illegal. It's a compelling look into this individual’s life and the era he lived through, highlighting the significant impact of his music across America at that time; it’s definitely worth seeing.

Source on TMDB