Say Amen, Somebody

Say Amen, Somebody
Original poster art
Directed byGeorge Nierenberg
Produced byGeorge T. Nierenberg
Karen Nierenberg
StarringThomas A. Dorsey
Willie Mae Ford Smith
Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters
Zella Jackson Price
the O'Neal Twins
CinematographyEdward Lachman, Don Lenzer
Edited byPaul Barnes
Production
company
GTN Production
Distributed byUnited Artists Classics[1]
Release date
  • October 5, 1982 (October 5, 1982)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
Budget$350,000
Box office$1,108,299

Say Amen, Somebody is a 1982 documentary film directed by George Nierenberg about the history and significance of gospel music as told through the lives and trials of its singers. Included are Thomas A. Dorsey, considered the "Father of Gospel Music", and "Mother" Willie Mae Ford Smith, an associate of Dorsey's who trained gospel singers for decades. Ford and three singing acts – Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters, Zella Jackson Price, and the O'Neal Twins, Edgar and Edward, backed by a choir – provide music throughout.

After its debut at the New York Film Festival to a sold out audience, Say Amen, Somebody saw a limited release in major cities. It received widespread critical acclaim with reviewers focusing especially on the strong personalities within gospel and the joyful music. It was restored in 2019 and was shown at limited theaters, again receiving positive reviews.

  1. ^ "Say Amen, Somebody (1983)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved 10 January 2022.