December 20, 2024
Anthony Behar/Sipa USA
Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson of the Roots is a co-director and executive producer for the documentary 'Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music.' The film will air on NBC on Jan. 27.
As part of "Saturday Night Live's" celebration of a half-century on the air, The Roots drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson is releasing a new documentary spotlighting the show's musical performances.
Titled "Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music," the three-hour special will air on NBC on Monday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. It includes sketches, performances and interviews with musicians and "SNL" crew members.
Questlove is co-directing the film with former "SNL" segment director Oz Rodriguez. Questlove's production company, Two One Five Entertainment, produces the special with RadicalMedia and Broadway Video.
The lengthy list of celebrities interviewed for the documentary includes Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, Dave Grohl, Mick Jagger, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Jack White, Billie Eilish and Finneas.
"Everyone knows the most famous 'SNL' appearances, whether it’s Elvis Costello, Prince or the Beastie Boys, but they’re the tip of a huge iceberg," Questlove said in a statement. "The process of going back through the incredible archival footage was like being in a time machine, DeLorean or other. I’m so happy I went on the trip and now get to share it with everyone."
It's yet another entry in Questlove's growing filmography. He won a 2022 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film for "Summer of Soul," and his film about musician Sly Stone premieres at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in January.
Questlove is also developing a documentary about the musical group Earth, Wind & Fire. It is expected to be released sometime next year.
