Decoding the Roots Music of ‘Sinners’ by Ryan Coogler
“There exists a belief in the power of music so pure that it can bridge the gap between the living and the dead, calling forth spirits from different eras and realms,” opens the haunting narrative of the film Sinners, a masterful Southern gothic horror creation by renowned director Ryan Coogler (known for his works like Fruitvale Station and Black Panther). The storyline follows the journey of twins Smoke and Stack Moore, both brilliantly portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, who, with the assistance of their cousin Sammie, played by Miles Caton, pioneer the establishment of Club Juke in their small Mississippi hometown in 1932. Their genuine passion for blues music and the aspiration to provide a safe haven for their fellow Black community members lead them to open the club on the premises of a deserted sawmill, setting off a series of malevolent events unknowingly.
The poignant opening sequence, complemented by a montage of folklore imagery, underlines the significance of musical visionaries in tightly-knit societies. It draws parallels with the West African griot, respected as a preserver of oral history and often held as a community leader. This compelling narrative is accompanied by the enduring sounds of resonator guitar, weaving through the fabric of the film, seamlessly entwining with the storyline.
Collaborating once again, Coogler joined forces with the esteemed composer Ludwig Göransson, who delivers a haunting and atmospheric score for Sinners, infusing elements of blues music with strings and percussion to complement the unfolding horrors within the plot. The musical talent featured on the Sinners soundtrack includes iconic artists such as Brittany Howard, Cedric Burnside, Rhiannon Giddens, Alice Smith, and Rod Wave. Additionally, the score boasts contributions from celebrated musicians like Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, Justin Robinson, and Leyla McCalla, with roots musician and actor Lola Kirke making an appearance in the film as Joan, a Ku Klux Klan member turned vampire.
Set against the backdrop of Clarksdale, Mississippi, recognized for its rich blues chronicles and pivotal role in the Great Migration, Sinners intricately weaves elements of blues history into the fabric of its characters. The monikers of the protagonists carry profound significance, with Stack likely referencing the famed folk ballad “Stagger Lee,” while the name Smoke evokes associations with the classic blues hit “Smokestack Lightning.” The siblings, Smoke and Stack, embark on their journey after returning home disillusioned from their experiences in Chicago, seeking refuge from the pervasive racism they encountered.
As the plot thickens, the narrative unveils layers of complexities, revolving around the brothers’ aspirations, the mysterious origins of Sammie’s treasured guitar, purportedly belonging to Charley Patton, the legendary “father of the Delta Blues.” The siblings’ shared history and musical passions converge in a scene of emotional intensity, culminating in a surreal musical interlude that traverses through different musical eras, seamlessly blending the essences of Black music traditions across time.
Trouble brews when a trio of vampiric musicians challenges the sanctity of Club Juke with their sinister intentions, symbolizing the specter of white appropriation of Black music, specifically blues. The trio attempts to gain entry into the club, only to be rebuffed, leading to a mesmerizing outdoor performance of the Scottish/Irish folk classic “Wild Mountain Thyme.”
Sinners delves into the dark alleys of music, history, and identity, imbuing the narrative with layers of cultural reflection and emotional depth. It captures the essence of society’s deeply ingrained narratives and explores the transformative power of music in transcending boundaries and resonating through generations.