ABOUT THE PROJECT
LOGLINE
The compelling life story of Ron Aikens, a Philadelphia-born musician, whose journey from near music-stardom to incarceration in 1974 takes an unexpected twist as he finds success as a member of prison band, Power of Attorney—only to face continued struggles and hardship upon his release in 1976. Now, with one last shot at redemption through music, Ron’s story captures the power of second chances and the transformative nature of art.
SYNOPSIS
POWER OF SOUL tells the remarkable true story of Ron Aikens and his band, Power of Attorney, formed within the walls of the notorious Graterford State Prison outside of Philadelphia. This documentary explores Ron’s tumultuous past, his time in prison, and the unbelievable story that led to the formation of a unique prison band that captivated audiences with their raw talent and poignant story.
The film follows Ron today, as he revisits his life growing up in Philadelphia in the 1960s and 70s, confronts his past crimes, seeks redemption through his music, and collaborates with Max Ochester and Brewery Town Records on a comeback album as Ron and the Hip Tones, a band that seeks to recapture the sound of legendary Philly acts like The O’Jays and Spinners, and features some of Philadelphia’s most celebrated studio musicians.
With unprecedented access to archival footage from the 1970s, including unreleased documentaries with prison performances and road trips with Power of Attorney, personal photos, recordings and recorded moments from Ron’s life, the documentary provides an intimate look at Ron Aiken’s journey and his decades-long dream of musical stardom. The film is both an intimate vérité-driven look at a one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life musical talent and his tumultuous story, and a love letter to the rich musical history of Philadelphia and “The Philly Sound.”
Featuring interviews with musical legends such as Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Shep Gordon, Stan Vincent, and notable Philadelphia studio musicians, and cameos from artists ranging from Chubbie Checkers, Pattie Labelle, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and others, this film introduces a living legend to new audiences, proving that with dedication, courage and support, we can transcend our failures and find redemption through art.
PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature
DIRECTOR Joshua Bennett
SCREENWRITER Joshua Bennett
PRODUCER Joshua Bennett
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Sam Pollard, Chris Fralic
CO-PRODUCER Max Ochester
WEBSITE https://readymag.website/u2237920865/4822529/
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