As previously reported, Martin Scorsese received one of the Kennedy Honors earlier in December. While Scorsese captures and conveys stark and raw glimpses of real life in his films and delves into lesser examined areas of society, he is also an accomplished music aficionado.  He not only paints a vivid picture through film, but has incorporated meaningful music in his soundtracks that help to finish the portrait.

In addition to great movie soundtracks, Scorsese directed the infamous concert documentary, The Last Waltz, in1976 that captured The Band’s last concert on Thanksgiving night at the Winterland Ballroom in San Fransisco. The concert included a who’s who of special guests including: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Dr. John, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Ringo Starr, Ron Wood and others. If you have not had the opportunity to view The Last Waltz, put it on your New Year’s movie list.

The all-star finale, I Shall Be Released:

Of note: The Band‘s guitarist, Robbie Robertson worked on several Scorsese soundtracks over the years.

Then, there was the 7-part The Blues documentary that Scorsese directed and produced in 2003 that serves as the paramount anthology on the blues genre and highlighted performances like this:

John Lee Hooker

Scorsese is well known and respected as a Director, but his use of music as the message should also be acknowledged. He is partial to the doo-wop of his youth and Italian opera. He mixes in the rock of his prime years with the blues that he adores. Hats off to Marty. Personally, I love a guy who loves DeNiro, Keitel and DiCaprio AND has a definite appreciation for music and the way music can tell the story…you know, throw you back into a certain time, a certain memory. The soundtracks to his movies are an extension of the storytelling and some of his choices are brilliant.

The following includes some of my favorites from Scorsese movies. Click on the links to take you to YouTube.

Mean Streets

Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones

I Love You So – The Chantells

Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes

Rubber Biscuit – The Chips

Steppin’ Out – John Mayhall’s Bluesbusters

I Looked Away – Eric Clapton (Derek & The Dominos)

Be My Baby – The Ronettes

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore

All the Way from Memphis, Ian Hunter

Roll Away the Stone, Leon Russell

Daniel, Elton John

I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, Hank Williams

Raging Bull

Prisoner of Love, Russ Columbo

Mona Lisa, Nat King Cole

Bye Bye Baby, Marilyn Monroe

Till Then, The Mills Brothers

King of Comedy

Back on the Chain Gang, The Pretenders

Ain’t Nobody’s Business, B. B. King

Swamp, Talking Heads

Come Rain or Come Shine, Ray Charles

Wonderful Remark, Van Morrison

Color of Money

Werewolves of London (movie)

It’s in the Way That You Use It – Eric Clapton

Goodfellas

Rags to Riches, Tony Bennett

Sincerely, The Moonglows

Hearts of Stone, Otis Williams & The Charms

Stardust, Billy Ward and His Dominos

It’s Not For Me to Say, Johnny Mathis

Playboy, The Marvelettes

I Will Follow Him, Peggy March

Roses are Red, Bobby Vinton

Ain’t Love a Kick in the Head, Dean Martin (from the “Oceans Eleven” Soundtrack)

Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand), The Shangri Las

Leader of the Pack, The Shangri Las

Monkey Man, The Rolling Stones

Baby I Love You, Aretha Franklin

Beyond the Sea, Bobby Darin

Gimme Shelter, The Rolling Stones

Jump Into the Fire, Harry Nilsson (scene)

Magic Bus, The Who

What is Life, George Harrison

Mannish Boy, Muddy Waters

My Way, Sid Vicious

Casino

Hoochie Coochie Man – Muddy Waters

Nights in White Satin – Moody Blues

Ain’t Got No Home – Clarence “Frogman” Henry

Without You – Harry Nilsson

I’m Sorry – Brenda Lee

Walk on the Wild Side – Jimmy Smith

Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) – Otis Redding

The Glory of Love – The Velvetones

Satisfaction – Devo

What a Difference a Day Makes – Dinah Washington

Working in a Coalmine – Lee Dorsey

House of the Rising Sun – Eric Burdon

Who Can I Turn To – Tony Bennett (performed here by Anthony Newly)

Marty Scorsese gets people and he gets music. He understands that music kun-NECKs people to events and certain times and uses music to make you truly feel the visual. He appreciates all music and all genres and exposes his electic musical tastes to help tell his stories. He truly is deserving of his Kennedy honor. He uses multiple facets of the performing arts to grab the viewer/listener and gives us all a glimpse of life that we might never have known of, but for his adept storytelling.

Besides, I really dig his American Express commercials…..

directed by MS

Booyah, Mr. Scorsese.