Rob Bowman, a Grammy Award-winning ethnomusicologist and professor at York University’s School of Arts, Media, Performance, and Design (AMPD), recently took on a role as a co-executive producer on HBO documentary series Stax: Soulsville USA. The series chronicles the musicians, songwriters and producers who created the signature Stax sound in 1960s Memphis.
Professor Bowman, who has been teaching at York University since 1979, is recognized as one of the world's foremost experts on Stax Records and soul music. His award-winning book on the label Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records earned him a spot in the Blues Hall of Fame. This work also helped lay the foundation for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, transforming public perception of Stax and its role in the music industry.
The new HBO documentary, which Bowman considers the “final word in terms of a documentary film” on the subject, presents a unique opportunity for a broader audience to experience the rich history of Stax Records. While his book delves into greater detail, Bowman notes that the documentary has the potential to reach a much wider audience. “People are more likely to watch a four-hour film than read a book,” he says.
Bowman’s connection to Stax runs deep, dating back to his early discovery of the label through a Rolling Stones cover of an Otis Redding song. His expertise has not only shaped his academic career but also led to collaborations with music legends, including Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. Reflecting on his journey, Bowman recalls how the Rolling Stones were so captivated by his work on Stax that they invited him on tour for three weeks to discuss the artistry behind their music.
For Bowman, teaching and research are inextricably linked. He pioneered the academic study of popular music, challenging conventional academic wisdom that once regarded popular music as “a lesser subject”. His dedication to studying and teaching popular music has paved the way for future generations of students and scholars. “When I was an undergraduate, no one was teaching me about the music that mattered most, not only to me, but to people worldwide,” says Bowman “So, I decided I would be the one to pioneer the study and teaching of this music.”
His message to students is clear. “Choose your dissertation topic carefully because it might dominate the rest of your life,” says Bowman. “Chase your dreams and work hard. If a door opens, go through it 200%. And it’s always good to have a plan B, just in case.”
Through his groundbreaking work on Stax and at AMPD, Bowman continues to shape the future of popular music education and inspire the next generation of scholars and artists, inspiring hundreds of York University students over the years.
His recent role in the HBO Stax documentary series is a testament to his lifelong devotion to documenting and preserving the legacy of soul music.