The Language of Music (2003)

TOM DOWD & THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC profiles the extraordinary life and legendary work of music producer / recording engineer Tom Dowd. Historical footage, vintage photographs and interviews with a who's who list of musical giants from the worlds of jazz, soul and classic rock shine a spotlight on the brilliance of Tom Dowd, whose creative spirit and passion for innovative technology helped shape the course of modern music. Tom Dowd's credits include recording sessions with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Otis Redding, John Coltrane, The Allman Brothers Band, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Cream, Rod Stewart, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Booker T. & the MG's and countless other musical luminaries.

Includes Music & Interviews with Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, The Allman Brothers Band, Les Paul, Otis Redding, Thelonious Monk, Booker T. & the MG's & many more!

Music history for music lovers

After seeing this on the Sundance channel I had to buy it. I LOVE music and I didn't know who Tom Dowd was. This story has famous musicians relating how important Tom Dowd was in the creation of famous songs like Layla. Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Dickie Betts, and Greg Alman all discuss their relationship with Tom and how influential he was to the music industry. If you like Jazz, Rock, or Soul, you will love this video.
If you are like me, you will enjoy turning your friends on to this must see video. June 23, 2008

Important Popular Music History

Exuburance and innovation, the hallmark of post war America is documented here as it applies to the one of the unsung giants of the recording industry. The high quality of the Alantic label's important legacy owes much to Tommy Dowd. Suprising is the musical influence he enjoyed with artists such as Aretha Frankin, the Allman's, Cream and many others. This is an enormously entertaining documentary. If you enjoy listening to music, this is a must see! April 21, 2008

Tom Dowd--the language of music

Excellent documentary about a great recording pioneer--if you're interested in music you'll be interested in this dvd--dickb November 29, 2007

The record business in detail

I had the pleasure of working with and for Tom some years ago. The producers' account of the record business is accurate, but somewhat glorified. Tommy worked very well with the Ertegun brothers, and well as Herb Abramson, and was a contributor to their success.

I recommend this DVD to anyone interested in learning about the record business, even though the down and dirty isn't discussed. November 2, 2007

Wonderful depiction of a well-rounded man...

My goodness, watching this was fun! Mr. Dowd was kind of a recording engineer prodigy who got into music just before World War II. During the war he was at Columbia University, contributing his physics skills to what turned out to be the atomic bomb project. Following the war, when the academic study of physics was deliberately kept from advancing into the atomic age due to national security concerns, Tom returned to music. He became the chief engineer for Atlantic Records, and therefore worked with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Coltrane, The Modern Jazz Quartet, Eric Clapton, and many other acts in a variety of musical forms. Dowd comes off as a fascinating person of great talent, and his life story is told well. There are cameos by many performers, and a long section at the end featuring Mr. Clapton. Everyone who likes 20th Century American music should enjoy this film. October 25, 2007

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