The title tells the story of this fine documentary. I first became aware of Leo “Bud” Welch was at the Beale Street Music Festival in May of 2014. Welch was playing a little side stage at the festival, with Dixie Street on drums. Within hours, Leo became the talk of the Beale Street Festival—he even got Buddy Guy’s attention. Little did I know at the time that Venice Vernado, Welch’s manager, was just getting the 81-year-old artist’s career started.

This documentary touches all bases. It gives you a good feel of Bruce, Mississippi where Welch came from, and clearly points out that he has his feet in both in gospel and blues music. The documentary gives you a good picture of his rise in the blues world in a very short period of time. There’s footage of him playing down South, a trip to gig in Minnesota in the snow and recording his first album, a combination of gospel and blues. The final chapter of the film has Welch touring Europe and it shows how he delighted European fans and musicians. As a terrific bonus at the end, the producer came up with some early footage of a younger Leo.

I am happy to have had the opportunity to get to know Dixie, Venice and Leo. Leo “Bud” Welch has done his part in saving American music, and music fans from all over the world should check out the great documentary.

—Arnie Goodman