NORMAL — U.S. 72 cuts across North Alabama from Jackson County to the Shoals.
The corridor has been instrumental in shaping the arts, music, and entertainment industries across the region and around the world.
It’s been called the “Valley of Soul” and Alabama A&M’s WJAB 90.9 FM and WJAB-TV are bringing the story to the area next month with a special screening of the documentary “72XP.”
The event is part of the university’s 150th anniversary celebration.
Produced by Meridian Media, Impresario Productions, Creative Vision Media, and Mullins Flat Films, “72XP” – short for “The Seven Two Experience” – is an immersive journey along the highway. It will be shown April 4 at 6 p.m. in the Johnson Little Theatre.
“72XP” will show viewers how Highway 72 has played a major role in the global ecosystem,” said WJAB Production Coordinator Marcus Sims. “If you’ve every enjoyed such entertainers as W.C. Handy, Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, Aretha Franklin, or Bessie Smith, Highway 72 has had a role in shaping their legacy.”
Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with Codie Gopher, William Hampton and Rick Bradshaw.
Gopher of Huntsville is an independent researcher of modern culture. He has over 25 years of experience in the creative music industry, with work recognized by Forbes, The New York Times, National Geographic and NPR.
Hampton, founder of Huntsville Revisited Museum, is a leading authority on Huntsville’s rich history, particularly its Black heritage.
Bradshaw is the director and producer of “72XP” and founder of Impresario Productions, which brings together experts in theater production, event development, marketing, music, and tourism. He is also the founder of the hip hop magazine Concrete.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $5 or two canned goods for faculty, staff, and community members and students attend free. All proceeds from the event will benefit the AAMU Student Pantry.
For more information, contact Sims at 256-372-8668 or [email protected].
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