The Daily Show: Ears Edition TDS Time Machine | Rock Stars - Pt. 1
Nov 8, 2025
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, a Grammy-winning drummer and filmmaker, shares how he discovered unreleased 1969 Harlem footage for his documentary, revealing insights about Black joy and community healing. Legendary rock musician Bruce Springsteen discusses his E Street Band’s longevity and the power of storytelling during societal turmoil, while emphasizing the challenge of balancing political messages with diverse audiences. The conversation also touches on the relevance of music in today's struggles, bridging past and present through powerful narratives.
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A Listener's Life Changed By Springsteen
- Jon Stewart describes how Springsteen's songs taught him to chase escape despite uncertain outcomes.
- Stewart credits that tension between striving and risk as a personal inspiration to move to New York.
Discovering Forty Hours Of Lost Footage
- Questlove recounts being skeptical when first told about the 1969 Harlem festival footage.
- He agreed to look and found 40 hours of astonishing performances that changed the project into a full film.
Black Joy Fills Historical Gaps
- Questlove frames the film as exposing benign forms of erasure and presenting Black joy.
- He argues that showing happiness from the era fills gaps in the public record of the civil rights period.
