Questlove announces documentary on ‘Saturday Night Live’ musical history
Questlove has revealed that he has directed a documentary about Saturday Night Live’s musical history to mark the show’s 50th anniversary.
The documentary Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of SNL Music focuses on the rich history of the musical guests who have appeared on the late-night variety show. It will premiere on January 27th on NBC, the network that has hosted the show since its first broadcast. The documentary will then become available to watch via Peacock, NBC’s online streaming platform, from January 28th.
The drummer and Roots bandleader has previously turned his hand to filmmaking. He directed the Summer of Soul documentary on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, for which he won an Academy Award and a Grammy in 2022. This film will also come alongside SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, a four-part documentary series on the show’s history that is also due to be broadcast on NBC in January.
Questlove said of the documentary: “Everyone knows the most famous SNL appearances, whether it’s Elvis Costello or Prince or the Beastie Boys, but they’re the tip of a huge iceberg. The process of going back through the incredible archival footage was like being in a time machine, DeLorean or other. I’m so happy I went on the trip and happy I now get to share it with everyone.”
Several performers who have previously appeared on the show will be featured in the documentary. Mick Jagger, Olivia Rodrigo, and Jack White are among the musical guests to participate. Meanwhile, Conan O’Brien, Fred Armisen, and Jane Curtin represent some of the comedians who have long been associated with the show. Series creator Lorne Michaels has also contributed to the documentary, providing interviews and accounts of some of the musical highlights the show has seen.
Questlove appeared in an episode of Saturday Night Live in 2014, and has previously performed as a member of the show’s house band, which has been a staple of the programme since its inception. The drummer is also known for his association with another late-night television show, with the Roots being the house band for fellow NBC show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The musician is also renowned for his work as a music historian, having authored many academic papers and books on various music-related topics. He will release his next book, Hip-Hop is History, via his own publishing company.
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