Blues Legend Buddy Guy Reflects on ‘Sinners’: ‘I Did This to Support the Music’

The Role of Blues in Film

The legendary guitarist Baddy Guy revealed that he accepted a role in Ryan Kugler’s Sinners “To help the blues.”

• READ MORE: Review of “Sinners”: Immerse your teeth in the bloodthirsty blues power of Ryan Kugler

Sammy’s Musical Journey

The renowned Chicago Blues musician, at 88 years of age, makes an appearance in the climax of the gripping new thriller, portraying the older version of Sammy “Preacher-boy” Milesa Katon, the son of a preacher whose musical gifts are pivotal to the film’s storyline.

Director Kugler (Black Panther, Religion) showcases Sammy and his cousins, played by Michael B. Jordan, as they attempt to open Juke Joint in 1930s Mississippi, only to confront both real and supernatural horrors.

At the film’s conclusion, set in the early 1990s, the elderly Sammy, portrayed by Guy, has transformed into a celebrated blues musician and performs a song for his cousins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz3xholk6m

Baddy Guy’s Commitment to Blues

In a recent interview with Diversity, Guy discussed what inspired him to take on the role. “Well, they came to my club here in Chicago, and I was surprised,” he stated. “They said, ‘Look, we want you to play this small role called Sammy.’ And I replied, ‘Well, let me see.’”

“Because I don’t have a secondary school education to read lengthy scripts,” he continued. “I learned to read and write. I’m like BB King: I’m not quick with this, but if you give it to me and some time, I can memorize it. However, as you get older, it becomes harder to remember.”

He concluded, “Anything that can help the blues stay alive, I’m all for it, and I’m willing to try. I said that I’m not sure if I’m the right fit for this, but I’ll give it a go. If it works, great; if it doesn’t, at least I’ll have tried.”

In a four-star review, NME commented: “Sinners truly comes to life through its musical numbers. Long-time collaborator of Kugler, Ludwig Göransson, who won an Oscar for creating the music for Black Panther, conjures an immersive workshop filled with blues. Kugler showcases the genre’s impact via entrancing sequences that revolve around the producer boy and highlight hip-hop DJs, MCs, and electric guitarists.”

Watch Kugler and Göransson discuss their collaboration on the film and their long-standing partnership, for NME higher.