Percy Sledge
Louisiana Legends

Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: Interview
Place Covered: Leighton, Alabama, Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 1994-10-03
Duration: 00:26:41
Subjects: Sledge, Percy | SINGING | Rhythm and blues music | Saturday Night Live (Television program) | INAUGURATIONS | Bush, George, 1924- | United States presidential inauguration, 1989 | When a Man Loves a Woman (song) | Music
Contributors:
- Fourrier, Clay Executive Producer
- Fowler, Ken Producer
- Allen, Gary Associate Producer
- Eaglin, J. Carlos, II Director
- Weill, Gus Interviewer
- Sledge, Percy Interviewee
Description
This episode of the series “Louisiana Legends” from October 3, 1994, features an interview with Percy Sledge conducted by Gus Weill. Sledge is a Rhythm and Blues and Soul singer, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. He discusses: growing up in Leighton, Alabama; the beginning of his music career; the origins and longevity of his best-known hit song, “When a Man Loves a Woman”; his career resurgence when the song was featured in Oliver Stone’s 1987 film “Platoon”; the mismanagement of his money by his business managers; performing on “Saturday Night Live” and at President George H.W. Bush’s Inaugural Ball; why he likes living in Baton Rouge; touring and performing; and his plans for the future. He also sings an impromptu version of his hit, “When a Man Loves a Woman.”