Off the Charts: The Song-Poem Story 2003

The documentary explores the quirky, century‑old song‑poem industry that has recorded over 200,000 pieces since 1900. It examines why the market endures—people’s cravings for fame, quick riches, and emotional expression—by following diverse “songwriters,” from an elderly woman to a young Black man and a small‑town Iowan. The film also reveals the roles of producers, or “song‑sharks,” who promise stardom, and the veteran musicians who spend endless days in the studio crafting these oddball compositions on topics ranging from Jesus to Elvis.

Studio

Jamie Meltzer

Director