It’s classic New York City rock ‘n’ roll take on two great tastes that taste great together: Martin Scorcese is set to direct a new documentary on David Johansen, the singer of seminal glam outfit, New York Dolls. Scorsese is teaming with Showtime Documentary Films to make the movie, with Emmy nominee David Tedeschi serving as co-director.
Scorsese and Tedeschi captured footage of Johansen performing at New York’s Café Carlyle earlier this year. The singer regaled the crowd Storytellers style, sharing songs from throughout his career peppered with stories and banter between songs.
“I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making Mean Streets,” Scorsese said in a press statement. “Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform, and over the years I’ve gotten to know the depth of his musical inspirations. After seeing his show last year at the Café Carlyle, I knew I had to film it because it was so extraordinary to see the evolution of his life and his musical talent in such an intimate setting. For me, the show captured the true emotional potential of a live musical experience.”
“It is an honor for all of us at Showtime to be working with Martin Scorsese, who unquestionably stands as one of the greatest filmmakers of our time,” added Showtime EVP of Nonfiction Programming, Vinnie Malhotra. “Over the past few decades his documentary work has taken us inside the lives of some of the most iconic musicians, from The Band to The Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan, and now David Johansen and the New York Dolls. Johansen’s story transcends the walls of music and is a window into the art and cultural evolution of New York City.”
