(June 23, 2023) SoulTracks is proud to present the world premiere video to Keb’ Mo’s “Taking Me Higher,” the first single release from the all-star soundtrack album on Candid Records to the feature film SWEETWATER, the true story of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to land an NBA contract.
This song was inspired by the SWEETWATER film, composed by Keb’ Mo’ after reading the script, meeting with the film’s writer/director Martin Guigui, and viewing the film. ‘Taking Me Higher’ speaks to the indelible spirit and courage of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton as well as one of the main inspirational messages of his story- a higher purpose. This is the first song in the end credits.
(June 23, 2023) SoulTracks is proud to present the world premiere video to Keb’ Mo’s “Taking Me Higher,” the first single release from the all-star soundtrack album on Candid Records to the feature film SWEETWATER, the true story of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to land an NBA contract.
This song was inspired by the SWEETWATER film, composed by Keb’ Mo’ after reading the script, meeting with the film’s writer/director Martin Guigui, and viewing the film. ‘Taking Me Higher’ speaks to the indelible spirit and courage of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton as well as one of the main inspirational messages of his story- a higher purpose. This is the first song in the end credits.
Since the release of his self-titled debut in 1994, blues guitarist Keb' Mo' (born Kevin Moore) has been one of the most successful musicians in the genre. With a groundbreaking career spanning nearly 50 years he is one of the most celebrated guitarists, songwriters and arrangers of his time. His unique gift for linking the past and present in his evocative playing and singing has earned him five GRAMMYS® and 14 Blues Foundation Awards.
The soundtrack features a variety of styles from period era standards to original contemporary tracks. Classics like “The Man I Love” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” - performed by Emmaline as Jeannie Staples in the film and Terri Lyne Carrington and Dianne Reeves’ modern interpretation of “Someone to Watch Over Me,” to original compositions inspired by the film like Keb Mo’s “Taking Me Higher” and Larkin Poe’s “Right Place Right Time.” The recording’s celebrated lineup also includes Gary Clark Jr., Robert Randolf, Liyah Bey, Rick Braun, Paul Hipp, Billy F. Gibbons, PWP Works of Art and Titus ‘ERLY’ Makin.
SWEETWATER stars newcomer Everett Osborne as Clifton, alongside a stellar cast which includes Kevin Pollak, Cary Elwes, Jeremy Piven, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Ri’chard and introducing Emmaline. Plus special appearances by Gary Clark Jr., Jim Caviezel, and NBA Champion Bobby Portis Jr.
World Premiere Video
Keb' Mo - “Taking Me Higher”