Concert films make up an element on the LC’s National Film Registry. For example, the legendary “The T.A.M.I. Show,” a legendary, filmed gathering of some amazing rock and roll talent, was added to the Registry in 2006. Maybe another great concert film will make the list this year…. The 25 new selections for the Registry will be announced on December 12, 2018.
Until then, check out the essay on “T.A.M.I” by David E. James:
“‘The T.A.M.I. Show’ (1964) was the first significant rock ‘n’ roll concert documentary film. The concept originated with executive producer William Sargent, who planned it as the first of a series of rock ‘n’ roll films whose profits would fund musical scholarships for teenagers; and indeed the ‘T.A.M.I.’ of its title was an acronym for ‘Teenage Awards Music International’ and/or ‘Teen Age Music International.’ But he lost the rights to the film soon it after went into distribution, and for him it remained a one-off project, though a very similar sequel, ‘The Big T.N.T. Show’ (directed by Larry Peerce), was released two years later….”
Read the rest of the “The T.A.M.I. Show” (PDF) essay.
Title: “The T.A.M.I. Show”
Year of Release: 1964
Year Added to the National Film Registry: 2006 (See all films added to the Registry in 2006.)
Trivia: Another concert film of great generational importance is also on the Registry: “Woodstock” (released in 1970, and added to the Registry in 1996).
This blog post is the 18th in our “30 Years of the National Film Registry” series which was launched to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Registry. The National Film Registry selects 25 films each year showcasing the range and diversity of American film heritage to increase awareness for its preservation. The 30th National Film Registry selections will be announced on December 12, 2018.