How They Got Over: Black Gospel Quartets and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll

Penn State professor and American roots music authority Jerry Zolten is a co-producer and on-screen narrator in How They Got Over: Black Gospel Quartets and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll, a documentary that tells the story of how post war African American gospel vocal groups profoundly influenced doo-wop, rhythm ‘n’ blues, soul, and hip hop.  The film, packed with vintage performances and interviews, features Ira Tucker (The Dixie Hummingbirds), Clarence Fountain (The Five Blind Boys), Isaac Freeman (The Fairfield Four), Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Dennis Edwards (The Temptations), soul singer Otis Clay, and many others. Currently being screened at festivals worldwide, this will be the film’s local premiere.  Jerry Zolten will be available for a Q&A following the screening.