Released in 1974, “Changin’ Times” was a stunning album of songs recorded in extraordinary circumstances – the first-ever commercial album recorded inside an American prison by an inmate. Its creator was a musical prodigy, Ike White, who was jailed for life at the age of 19 for murder. With the never-before-seen archive, the film charts Ike’s journey out from prison into industry adulation and life as a free man, eventually leading to his reinvention as a performer for hire called David Maestro.
At nineteen years old, musician Ike White received a life sentence for second-degree murder. Behind bars, he remained optimistic, delving deeper into his music which captivated everyone. His talent and revolutionary lyrics spoke to the core of his peers, uplifting and encouraging them to remain hopeful and keep moving forward. Eventually, his story captured media attention, attracting the likes of producer Jerry Goldstein, who offered to record his debut album from behind bars.
After years incarcerated, Stevie Wonder, along with others in the industry, fought for Ike’s release which resulted in his sentence being overturned. With hopes he would become a musical sensation, Ike White disappeared, leaving his past behind and living life as a new man name David Maestro. Trying to put the pieces together following his death, his ex-wife discovers the truth about his past which consists of many lovers and children he’d left behind. While Ike White is no longer here, physically, his music and story remain forever. I just can’t help but think how he was on the brink of becoming one of the greatest musicians of our time. An amazing documentary!
Opens Nationwide in Virtual Theaters Friday, December 4th
