The song-poem industry has been a parallel to mainstream music for nearly a century, with over 200,000 recordings since 1900. The genre's durability stems from three American desires: to be in show business, to get rich quick, and to express deep feelings. The documentary meets various "songwriters" and producers, showcasing the range of American obsessions in their compositions. It also explores the life and tragic death of Rodney Keith Eskelin, a renowned interpreter of song-poems, and the intersection of ordinary people's expressions and the music industry's desires.
Off the Charts: The Song-Poem Story
The captivating world of song-poem production, where individuals pay to have their verses transformed into music, revealing a unique fusion of creativity and business acumen.