The greatest soul singer you've never heard of—until Jay-Z decided to change that.
At the age of 18, Rudy Love was touring the US with Little Richard. By the 1970s, he was working as a pilot vocalist for The Temptations and Marvin Gaye, his songs were being recorded by Esther Phillips and Isaac Hayes, and he was appearing on records with Ray Charles and Sly Stone. Yet, his solo career and the albums he produced with his Love Family band failed to achieve success, due partially to dodgy record label practices that saw his recordings distributed under the names of other artists. Now, at the age of 70, Rudy Love is beginning to see his work rediscovered by artists including Jay-Z, and is finally achieving the respect he has long deserved.
Production
Packed with legends: Mick Fleetwood, George Clinton, Sinbad.
Sound
Rudy's voice—hear why he ghost-wrote for the greats.
Director
John Alexander
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rudy's story exemplifies how Black artists in the 60s-70s were systematically denied ownership of their own voices and labor.
Marsai Martin (Black-ish) appears as a young fan—she was 13 when this filmed, already a Hollywood producer herself.
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