Music, Memphis, and Making Song Sung Blue With Craig Brewer

Filmmaker Craig Brewer has always been drawn to stories where music fuels big dreams — often against the odds.

From his award-winning films Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name to acclaimed series like Empire and Fight Night, Brewer’s work is steeped in rhythm and resilience. Now, he's back directing Song Sung Blue, a new Focus Features film starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, about the incredible true story of "Lightning & Thunder," two Milwaukee musicians whose Neil Diamond tribute act became an inspiring sensation.

In this episode, Craig sits down with Jacqueline Coley to talk about transforming a documentary into a feature film, earning the trust of the family behind the story, and capturing the soulful spirit that runs through his work. Craig opens up about his Memphis roots, his long creative partnerships, and the musical heartbeat that drives his storytelling. Plus, he shares the wild origin of the Oscar-winning “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” and the touching note Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder sent after reading the Song Sung Blue script.