Featuring: Billy Paul, Blanche Williams, Kenny Gamble, Clive Davis,
Questlove, & Schoolly D.
Drakes Avenues Pictures presents this full-length feature film detailing the
sensational story of soul superstar Billy Paul. Am I Black Enough For You
tells the in-depth story of the legendary Philadelphia R&B artist, his life-long
companionship with his wife Blanche, and details the oppression of African
Americans and the continuing American civil rights movement. Taking its
title from the follow-up to Paul s most successful single, Me and Mrs.
Jones, Am I Black Enough For Youoffers never-before-seen insight into the
now legendary Philadelphia R&B scene which produced some of the most
successful songs/albums in modern popular culture. It s candid portrayal
compels the viewer to comprehend the experience of racism in America.
As a single, Am I Black Enough For You flopped, and it was a failure that
nearly cost Paul his career. Looking back it seems that the lyrics offered too
radical a message for the majority of the white market of the seventies. But
if the song had such a radical message, enough to turn away a huge number
of fans, why was it released? The answer lies in the relationship between
Paul and his record executive Kenny Gamble. Gamble and those around him
were prepared to sanction and encourage the release of a single they knew
could irreparably damage Paul's career for the sake of the message it
contained. This was a time in which political affiliations, ambitions and
assertions came above friendship and personal success. As a rare example
of a successful black American, did Paul have an obligation to act as a leader
for his race? Am I Black Enough For Youseeks to answer this question. Directed by Göran Olsson.
87-minute feature film. 24-page booklet. Includes theatrical trailer