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    'Say Amen, Somebody' Restoration Unveils The Wonder Of The Gospel Pioneers

    Almost 40 years since its cinematic release, a restoration brings this documentary featuring Thomas A. Dorsey and Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith back to life.
    by Howie Movshovitz Feb 25, 2020 3 minutes
    Thomas A. Dorsey was one of the gospel pioneers profiled in George Nierenberg's <em>Say Amen, Somebody</em>. The documentary was originally released in 1982, and has been remastered and re-released.

    Say Amen, Somebody, a documentary about the men and women who pioneered African American gospel music, was widely praised upon its release in 1982; the late Roger Ebert called it "One of the most joyful movies I've ever seen." But it hasn't been seen in theaters in nearly 30 years. Now George T. Nierenberg's film has been restored and re-released to theaters and DVD.

    At the time, Nierenberg was looking for a follow-up to his award-winning 1979 tap dance documentary, when he had dinner with musician.

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