Questlove to Direct Documentary Titled ’50 Years of Music from SNL’

Questlove Produces SNL Documentary

Questlove will produce a music-themed documentary for Saturday Night Live (SNL) in celebration of his 50th birthday.

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Details About the Documentary

Yesterday (December 19), NBK announced a documentary film directed by Questlove titled Ladies and gentlemen… 50 years of SNL Music. According to NBC, it will feature more than 50 interviews with musicians from the past five decades who have graced the iconic comedy show.

This includes renowned artists such as Mick Jagger, Dave Grohl, Jack White, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Kacey Musgraves, Elvis Costello, and many others.

The three-hour film will also feature interviews with both current and former cast and crew members, including Fred Armisen, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Al Franken, Bill Hader, Eddie Murphy, Liz Patrick, Andy Samberg, Kenan Thompson, Maya Rudolph, Hal Willner, and Bowen Young.

“Everyone knows the most famous SNL appearances, whether it be Elvis Costello, Prince, or the Beastie Boys, but they are just the tip of a massive iceberg,” Questlove remarked regarding the documentary. “The experience of going through incredible archival footage felt like being in a time machine, DeLorean or otherwise. I’m thrilled to have embarked on this journey and can now share it with everyone.”

Ladies and gentlemen… 50 years of SNL Music will premiere on January 27 at 8:00 pm ET on NBC and will be available for streaming the following day on Peacock. This documentary is one of the programs planned to commemorate SNL ahead of its 50th anniversary next October.

Future Projects by Questlove

The announcement of Questlove’s involvement with the upcoming SNL documentary follows news that he will also direct a documentary about Earth, Wind and Fire, set for release in 2025. Previously, he directed the critically acclaimed documentary Summer of the Soul, which won an Oscar and a Grammy in 2021, telling the story of the overlooked 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.