
Bottle Up and Go(1980)
18 min · Documentary · Directed by Bill Ferris
Released
This film follows Louis Dotson, a farmer and musician in Lorman, Mississippi, as he constructs a “one-string guitar” on the wall of his front porch. Dotson also “blows the bottle” using a Coca-Cola bottle partially filled with water. Both his bottle blowing and his one-strand-on-the-wall are important links between African musical roots and the blues. The one-strand marks the beginning of the “slide guitar” style which heavily influenced 20th-century blues, rock and roll, and rock music.
Where to watch
Not available to stream, rent, or buy in the US yet.
US release dates
- Premiere
- January 1, 1980
