Original subtitles

[energetic music]

You keep watch, OK?

We're supposed to be in Bible class.

I will.

Better get in there.

They're waiting for you.

Now you know what to do in case you see any one of our dads.

Remember the signal?

[tries to whistle]

[chuckle]

[music playing]

It's all right, guys.

Finally.

Get in place, please.

Time is money.

I don't have much of either.

All right, let's roll.

Cloud, from the top, just like rehearsal.

Lonely as a Clouds.

Hold on.

[music - "lonely as a cloud"]

(SINGING) Every morning when I wake up, I smile.

Because I found peace in a world so loud.

I know I'm more than just a face in the crowd,

so secure with this joy I've found.

Now I'm limping.

Nothing gets to me.

I'll be floating along happily.

A decision.

Life belongs to me.

Loving it myself.

Feel so free.

["lonely as a cloud" on radio]

Woo hoo.

Mama, you got that music in you.

That's right, baby.

And I'm giving it to your daughter. (LAUGHS).

I got your favorite for the table.

Oh, thank you.

They sure light up the room.

Remember Naima, music is the greatest evidence

of God's presence.

It leaves behind something lasting. (LAUGHS).

Right, Gammy.

Yeah.

You guys mind if I join y'all?

Yeah, come on in.

We going do this together.

[laughter]

(SINGING) Now there's nothing standing in my way.

Save my troubles for rainy day.

Now I'm limping.

Nothing gets to me.

I'll be floating along happily.

A decision.

Life belongs to.

Me Loving myself feel so great.

To be lonely as a cloud.

As the world going round.

To be lonely as a cloud--

(SIGHS) You did it, Gammy.

I'm in your old haunts.

I just wish you were here to show me around.

(SIGHS).

[jazz music]

[doorbell dings]

I'll be right with you, darling.

Thank you.

Coffee?

Yes, please, black.

You at Vanderbilt?

No, Tennessee Central.

I'm getting my doctorate there.

Ooh, aren't you fancy?

Yeah.

But I'm also interning at the National

Museum of African-American Music for no pay.

So fancy is a bit of a stretch.

Well, you're going to be a regular here.

They all are.

What you studying over there?

Ethnomusicology.

Ah huh.

Now say that 10 times fast.

I know, I know.

It sounds pretentious.

But basically, I'm focusing on mid-20th century urban music.

Oh, back in my day, we called it R&B, soul and jazz.

(LAUGHS) That also works.

I'm trying to narrow down a topic for my dissertation.

But it's just so hard to choose one thing.

Oh, you asking the wrong person.

Around here, we love everything about all of it.

Me too.

[laughter]

So what does one do with that kind of schooling?

Well, no one ever became rich with this kind of degree.

But I can teach, I can write.

I can spend all my time around music.

Mm-hmm.

Well, money isn't everything, baby.

If it was, I would have got rid of this place long time ago

and got me a rich husband.

Instead, I got this one.

I heard that.

I wanted you to (CHUCKLES).

I'm going to get you some of my famous sweet potato pie,

seeing as you are a regular now.

This is why we're in trouble, Livy Always

giving away the goods for free.

What good is heaven, if you can't share with others, Dex?

I was going to pay--

Uh-uh, uh-uh.

I appreciate that.

But she won't let you.

When my wife gets her mind on something, it's--

Check out the jukebox, if you want.

That's free too.

[gentle music]

This is amazing.

What section is this?

The Rivers of Rhythm corridor.

This is my favorite section.

Here, visitors can learn about the growth

of African-American music, from the golden age of gospel,

to the Black influence in ragtime.

My grandmother would have loved this.

She was the music connoisseur too?

Oh, yeah.

She raised me on all of it, Ray Charles, James Brown,

Etta James.

And of course, absolute faves, the Loving Cubs.

[laughter]

My mom died when I was a baby.

And my grandmother lived with us.

Well, she had impeccable taste, your grandmother.

I think I really would have liked her.

Yeah, everybody did.

Oh, Reggie, this is Naima.

Naima, like the Coltrane song.

I was named after it.

She's going to be interning for us for school credit,

while she's getting her doctorate at TCU.

Well, welcome to the family, Naima.

You're going to love it here so much,

you're going to forget you're not getting paid.

[laughter]

I already have.

[laughter]

Can I borrow you for a second?

Sure.

Have a look around.

And I'll come find you in a bit and show you to your desk.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

[jazz music]

OK, so this right here is one of my favorite artists.

It's Charlie Parker.

Does anyone know Charlie Parker's nickname?

Anyone?

Sophie?

China, you know?

NZ?

Anyone want to take a stab at it?

Ah, trumpet guy?

Trumpet guy?

What?

You say, take a stab at.

(LAUGHS) I did.

It was Yardbird.

Well, at least in his childhood, anyway.

And then later shortened to Bird.

Wow.

Looks like we got a late addition to our group.

And guess what?

The young lady is correct, gold star.

[giggle]

Before Charlie became rich and famous,

he used to play with tons of bands.

He had a great relationship with Miles Davis, who

was our legendary trumpeter.

They developed a new sound in the Avant Garde

late nights of Harlem, New York City.

Ah, sorry.

Got to correct you there.

So the Harlem jam sessions actually

started with Dizzy Gillespie.

Really?

And then Miles Davis replaced Gillespie

later on in his career.

Wow.

I mean, Cohen, she definitely sounds confident.

But are you sure?

I may have written a paper on Miles Davis once.

And I may have a photographic memory.

Is that so?

I said I may have.

OK.

You know what?

We'll just settle this little thing right here with my group.

You guys have been with me all morning.

You guys know who the smartest one is.

And who is it, me or her?

Definitely her.

[laughter]

Are y'all for real?

Come on, y'all.

After all I taught you?

OK.

You know what?

This is how we're going to settle it, all right?

I'm going to place $5 on the table

that it's Miles Davis first, Dizzy Gillespie second.

OK.

You know my grandmother always said

if you want to double your money,

you should fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

[chuckle]

But how about this, loser has put their money

in the museum donation box.

OK, smart, beautiful, and kind.

You see, I say kind because it's going to be

your $5 in that donation box.

And I'll take that bet.

OK.

Woo burn.

She got you good.

[laughter]

So she did.

So she did.

But it's all good.

Well, listen up.

The video is going to be starting in the exhibit

down here on the right.

Follow your teachers right in there.

And I'm going to see you guys after.

I'm going to talk to our new student.

I'm very sorry about that.

Sometimes I just can't help myself.

No, it's OK.

I mean, I can admit when I'm wrong.

I was wrong.

And it's not often.

So what was it?

Is it $1 we betting?

$5.

$5.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Wait a minute.

Who are you?

Patron, benefactor, ringer?

Damian.

Hey, Bianca.

I see you've met Naima, our new intern.

Hello Naima.

Hi.

Damian just so happens to--

--be one of the dedicated volunteers.

OK.

Yeah, I can tell that you're passionate about what you do.

Yes, I am.

Come, I will show you where you will be working.

Bye, .

Bye Bianca.

Naima, if I have any questions about jazz, I know who to ask.

[gentle music]

[door creaking]

This is the reason we are so happy to have you with us.

When the museum opened two years ago,

the donated items piled up so fast

that we couldn't catalog everything.

Much of it turns out to be worthless.

But I have found a few gems to put in the exhibits.

I love this sort of thing. (LAUGHS)

It's like what treasure are we going to find in here.

I will be bringing on another curatorial intern soon.

But it has been so hard to find someone like you

with such a vast knowledge of music history.

So, in the meantime, I will be helping you out

as much as my time allows.

Great.

Why Nashville, of all places, for your doctorate?

My grandmother was from here.

They moved to Mobile when my dad was little.

But she would always talk about the growing Black music

industry and watching it develop.

She really wanted to be a singer.

Like everyone else in this town?

(LAUGHS) Right.

You know that might be an interesting topic

for my dissertation.

Like, why do some artists make it and others don't.

If you ask me, it's only 10% talent and 90% luck.

Those hard luck stories are on every street corner.

But you can find some feel good ones too.

Yeah, the history here, you can feel it.

It's like all the independent labels started, Savoy, Sun,

Berryhall Records.

And they went on to become household names.

Now you are going to fit right in.

Franklin Berryhall is actually one of the biggest supporters

of this museum.

In fact, he's going to be at the fundraiser next Friday.

Franklin Berryhall?

Mm-hmm.

Is going to be here?

Yes.

In this building?

Yeah.

Wait, am I going to be there?

Interns are invited to the fundraisers.

Yes, we need all hands on deck.

You have a formal dress?

With what you're not paying me?

I'll get one (LAUGHS).

Great.

Well, I'll be back to check on you.

[jazz music]

It's like somebody's lost.

You, what are you doing here.

I'm an alum.

I mentor the students here.

Oh, wow, real philanthropist, donating his time

all over town.

Yeah.

I mean, isn't that what people with good hearts do?

Some even say I'm a great guy.

I'm sure they would.

(LAUGHS) You don't believe me?

I have no reason not to believe you, Mr Great Guy.

Are you going to be at the Museum for the auction

next week?

I work there.

So, yes.

Maybe I can get your number.

Maybe not.

What?

No, what you mean?

You heard me.

I have to--

I have to check you out first.

You know, ask around the Museum see, what I'm dealing with.

Don't want to end up on a True Crime episode.

No.

Yeah, I can dig it.

Got ourselves an academic and a researcher.

Or maybe I just know that it's better

to go slowly in the right direction,

rather than quickly in the wrong one.

Mm.

So she speaks from experience.

She does.

Your 0 to 16 relationship not end well?

It did not.

Mm.

OK.

Well, for me, when I see something that I want,

I go after it.

And what exactly do you want?

What I want is for you to save the dance for me.

Is that slow and steady enough for you?

Mm-hmm (CHUCKLES).

See you Friday.

I'll see you Friday.

Oh, wait.

Right.

Get your number?

No.

Can you show where the music building is?

I would love to.

This way.

It's right over here.

The purpose of your dissertation is to ask a targeted question,

then research your own answer.

My office hours are posted on the board.

I want to hear potential topics within the next few weeks.

Now let me be clear.

It's important that you find something that speaks to you.

So ask yourself this, what stirs you within your very soul.

OK.

There you go, worthless.

You win some, lose some.

What do you do with the rejects?

Ah, give them to charity, thrift stores.

I even got to keep a flute once.

You play?

I never learned.

But one day.

For now, it just sits in the corner, taunting me.

[laughter]

Oh, look what I found.

Oh.

They're gorgeous.

Yeah.

Huh.

And there's two of them.

One for each night of the weekend.

Or maybe a duo?

Maybe it was Tina Turner's.

They always had extras for the road.

And she grew up in Tennessee.

Yeah.

They're two different sizes, though.

Oh.

And there's no information in there,

no deed of gift, no tags.

Do we know who donated it?

Not a clue if nothing is in that bag.

You know what?

A lot of that stuff came from old studios

on Music Row that closed when technology took over.

Well, I bet it has a story to tell.

Take a picture and upload it, and do a reverse image search

and see what comes up.

If there's history behind it, you'll find it.

And if not, I think you've just found your outfit

to the auction.

[laughter]

So what's in there?

Oh, these are auction items.

I need you to write the catalog and label

descriptions for them.

Documentation verifying the history and authenticity

is attached.

Why would the Museum part with them?

Most of them are duplicates.

If we can make a few bucks, all the better.

Wow.

Charlie Patton?

I feel like I'm holding history, the man who

would play the guitar behind his head or with his teeth?

He was quite the showman.

That one is going to fetch us one pretty penny.

My grandmother had this.

Where are her albums now?

Well, there are people in the world

who think that valuables are junk and junk are valuables.

I'm in the former group.

And you have a huge pile of the ladder downstairs.

[jazz music]

[doorbell dings]

Look at you.

Big day?

Nothing like that.

It's the auction at the Museum tonight.

I just figured I'd come here first, get a quick bite.

They have food at those things.

Yeah.

But those finger foods doesn't compare to your cooking.

(CHUCKLES) Well, you're going to fit right in that outfit.

Thank you.

[gentle music]

Wow, you look beautiful.

Where'd you get that dress?

It's vintage.

It's donated to the museum.

I looked high and low for any historical significance.

Couldn't find anything.

Why?

No reason.

I just-- you just look so pretty in it.

You going take all the men's breath away tonight.

Thank you.

Oh, Olivia?

Yeah.

My dad said he and my grandmother

may have come here when he was little, Millie

and Thomas Williams.

No, that doesn't ring a bell.

But you know, baby, a lot of people

have come through those doors over the years.

You just let me know when you're ready to order.

[gentle music]

Olivia, I heard what you said to her.

You've got to tell her the truth.

That's Millie's granddaughter.

Sweetheart, we have enough to deal with right now.

We are going to work all of that out.

We are not going to lose this place.

But Livy--

Dex, the past is a place to learn from,

not a place to live in.

You clean up nice, Naima, like the Coltrane song.

Thank you, Reggie.

You look like you can be in Martha and the Vandellas,

the Loving Cubs.

Or the Supremes, they were something back in the day.

There's still something now.

I think we put too much focus on the Marvin Gaye's and Stevie

Wonder's of the world.

But if you ask me, the Old Girl Groups, they really shaped

the music of the '60s.

They deserve more credit.

Maybe you can shine a light on that, once you become a doctor.

Maybe.

Hey, do you know Olivia, from the diner down the street?

Oh, yeah, that's sweet potato pie route.

Oh, it sure is.

So what's her story?

Same as everyone else, I suppose.

Another day, another dollar.

Trying to get by.

OK, I'm going to go look around.

Hey, maybe you can include the Daffodil Girls,

once you start shining your light on all the girl

groups, Dr. Naima.

The Daffodil Girls?

Oh yeah, I knew them when.

There's a story there.

Look it up.

Lonely As A Cloud.

But that's the Loving Cubs, which is a great song.

It's my grandmother's favorite.

A great story too.

[gentle music]

Oh yeah, that's a hot item.

(CHUCKLES) It's actually the coolest record in here.

But it has zero bids.

I don't get it.

Ah, it's probably not shiny enough.

Yeah, probably not.

So did you do the background check on me?

I haven't had a chance yet.

You know, some of us have school, and work,

and other things.

No offense.

No offense taken.

[mouth organ]

Know what I noticed?

Nobody's dancing.

But--

Oh, my gosh.

What?

Is that Franklin Berryhall?

Yes.

(FALSE VOICE) The man, the legend, the myth.

You don't seem very impressed.

I see him every day.

I do a little work at the Record Label.

Wow.

To be there every day, if those walls could talk.

Yeah, they'd say time is money.

Now you need to get back to work.

(LAUGHS) I grew up listening to every record

that Berryhall produced.

Mm yeah.

Me personally, I think the label could use a facelift.

That's just me.

Well, here's your chance to tell him.

No you want to hear that from me.

I think I'm going to introduce myself to him.

Do you think that's presumptuous,

or dumb, annoying?

Nah, nah.

I mean, you know, I hear he really appreciates someone

who's not intimidated by him.

Oh, I'm very intimidated by him.

But I wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't meet him.

OK, I'm going to do it.

Wish me luck.

Yeah, get him.

Sorry to bother you, Mr Berryhall.

Yes.

My name is Naima.

I'm an intern here.

And it is such an honor to meet you sir.

Naima?

Huh, I'm a huge Coltrane fan.

So were my parents.

You musician?

No sir.

I'm in academia.

I want to write and teach.

I'm getting my doctorate in ethnomusicology.

An admirable aspiration.

Well, if my company can ever be of any assistance,

please don't hesitate to reach out.

Really?

Really.

Excuse me, Naima.

I need to borrow Mr Berryhall for a few announcements.

Announcements?

Oh, yeah.

We're announcing that we're displaying

a retrospective in honor of the 60th anniversary of Nashville's

own Berryhall Records.

Right this way.

Very nice to meet you.

It's my pleasure.

[jazz music]

(MUFFLED) Hey, you.

Hey.

Why are you standing over here by yourself?

Waiting for my ride.

No, you're leaving?

Yeah.

Can't leave.

The night's too young.

I got an idea.

You like sweet potato pie?

Mm-hmm.

[gentle music]

I could tell you real passionate about what you do.

Mean, yeah.

Like, how lucky are that we get to live our dream?

This doesn't happen for everyone.

My grandmother, she really wanted to be a singer.

And it just didn't work out for her.

How about your parents?

Well, my mom died when I was a year old.

Sorry.

And my dad has worked at the same printing

company for 33 years.

Yeah, it's been super busy just trying

to make ends meet so that I can make my mark.

Sounds like an exceptional man.

Yeah.

No, he's a really great guy.

And in a few years, he's going to retire.

I'm going to take care of him.

See, I knew you were good people.

(LAUGHS) So what about you?

Well, my parents divorced a few years ago.

It was for the best, though, you know.

Like they're both happy now.

My dad's remarried.

My dad is a tough love tight, you know.

Prides himself on being self-made.

So anything I ever wanted when I was growing up,

till now, I had to go get it myself.

My dad didn't give me nothing.

Mm.

And, are you?

Am I what?

Making it yourself?

Oh, yeah.

Mm-hmm, I'm getting after it, man.

I got a-- I got an artist I can't

wait for people to see him.

Yeah, so I'm doing music on the side.

To take to Mr Berryhall?

Ah, maybe.

I don't know.

I'm thinking about it.

Let me tell you something about Franklin Berryhall.

He is a man who knows what he wants, OK.

And he doesn't bend.

OK.

So much in secret, though.

(LOWERED VOICE) He's not the only game in town.

No, he's not.

No.

And, like you said, he's stuck in the past.

But you are forging the future.

Well, and that's exactly what I'm doing.

(LAUGHS) Have you ever heard of a girl group, 1960s,

called the Daffodil Girls, from right here in town?

No, I don't think so.

Are they a Berryhall Group?

I'm not sure.

But Reggie from the museum, he mentioned them tonight.

So there's a story there.

No, I don't know.

But I'll tell you, you ask Dexter.

He knows everybody.

Dex, you got-- you got a second?

Have you ever heard of a girl group called the Daffodil

Girls?

Ah yep.

The Daffodils?

Yeah.

I think they were backup singers or something.

Never amounted to anything.

That--

Yeah.

Nothing there.

OK.

Ah that was weird.

Hi, Professor Toler.

I'm Naima Williams.

I'm one of your students.

Of course.

What can I do for you?

So I wanted to talk to you about my dissertation.

I'm thinking about doing it on African-American girl

groups from A to Z.

And what exactly does A to Z mean,

from a narrative perspective?

Well, I'm not entirely sure yet.

But maybe it's the known and the lesser known,

why some made it and others didn't.

Well, that's a start.

But if you're going there, go deeper.

Like, what went on behind the scenes,

the stories that wouldn't be featured on Behind the Music.

What do you know about the song Lonely As A Cloud?

By the Loving Cubs, one of the many one-hit

wonder groups from back in the day.

Well, a guy know mentioned that there might

be a story behind that song.

Yeah, I think it was based on an old Wordsworth poem.

That's it?

As far as I'm aware.

He also brought up an old girl group, the Daffodil Girls.

No, that doesn't ring a bell.

But there were a lot of groups back in the day,

who never went anywhere.

Well, I'm not sure how they relate to each other.

But I just have this feeling that there's something people

aren't saying about them.

Then keep scratching beneath the surface,

because that is where the truth lives.

And maybe you found a lead for your dissertation.

Thanks.

Will do.

[jazz music]

Hey, Naima.

Hey.

So I literally can't find any digital footprint

on this girl group, the Daffodil Girls.

Have you heard of them?

Are they new?

Apparently they were backup singers

who may have released a few songs in the '60s.

But several people have acted very strange

at just the mention of their name,

like so cryptic and weird.

You can check our digital archives.

But I've never heard of them.

Yeah, I already did.

It didn't sell?

Oh, it did for $5,000.

$5,000?

Yes, this has been one of the most successful auctions yet.

And it has been requested by the winner

that it be hand-delivered, by you.

By me?

Mm-hmm.

Why?

Who was the highest bidder?

That would be one Mr Berryhall at Berryhall Records.

Looks like someone made quite an impression.

And that always helps the Museum look good when that happens.

Good job, Naima.

[jazz music]

Five thousand dollars?

Hi.

I'm Naima Williams.

I have a delivery for Mr Berryhall.

[jazz music]

Hey, Naima.

Hey.

Thanks for coming.

You're welcome.

I've got a package for Mr. Berryhall.

Is he here?

He most definitely is here.

Do I leave this here with you, or should I go look for him?

Oh, I see what's going on.

You saw the name Berryhall and you were expecting my father.

I'm sorry, your father?

(LAUGHS) Yeah.

That's the same reaction I always get.

I'm sorry to disappoint you.

No, I'm actually just processing.

You had no urge the other night, while I was fangirling over him

to say Franklin Berryhall is your father?

Naima, I didn't think it was appropriate in the moment.

I understand what's going on here.

You're one of those rich entitled guys.

You like to play games, used to getting anything you want.

I am absolutely not that guy.

I've dealt with your type before.

And I'm flattered.

But it's a no, for me.

Goodbye, Damian.

No.

Hey, wait.

Naima, hold on a second.

Naima, Naima, wait.

Will you stop?

[door clicks]

Look, I'm sorry.

But no matter what you think, that's not who I am.

Oh, it's not?

No, it's not.

I get treated differently at the Museum

from the volunteers because of my dad.

The fact that you saw me as Damian, and not Mr Berryhall's

son, felt good, you know?

Yeah, I get that.

How about we hang the record right here?

This wall is all Berryhall artists.

And Payton wasn't on Berryhall.

Good point.

Record that special probably belongs in the sanctuary,

anyway.

There's a church here?

Well, I'll show you.

[gentle music]

(LAUGHS) It's gorgeous.

Right?

This is one of the few clubs that

allow Black artists to perform.

I mean, all the greats played here.

It eventually went out of business.

Then my dad bought it, turned to recording studio.

So why do they call it the sanctuary?

Because when they played here they come see.

I thought big recording studios like this

were becoming obsolete now in the digital age.

Well, somewhat.

You see, producers and artists learn

there's one thing that digital can replace,

that's the vibe of the room.

You see, there's an energy here.

It's inspiring.

See this mic?

It's beautiful.

Mm-hmm.

This is the same exact microphone that

recorded Lonely As A Cloud.

What's the story with that song?

What?

That is the song that put this record label on the map.

You know, my dad said if it wasn't for those three

girls in the-- in the neighborhood,

he'd still be repairing TVs in my grandfather's basement.

And that's it?

I mean, yeah.

I mean, they recorded a few songs.

And they went their separate ways.

And you can still use this mic?

Oh, yeah.

I'm a firm believer lightning strike twice.

Yeah, I have a feeling it will too.

I don't believe it.

What's that?

That's my dress.

And that looks like Olivia, standing

in front of the Loving Cubs.

[gentle music]

Drifting lonely as a cloud And I'm not coming down.

Listen to me when I say-- not gonna, not gonna--

hurray.

Nothing can bring me down.

Everybody stumbles sometimes.

That's OK.

I get up so much faster.

Now that I know.

Loving myself--

Wow.

Yeah, they're not good.

Their performance is way off.

[applause]

(ON VIDEO) Ladies and gentlemen, that

was the Loving Cubs performing their new hit

single, Lonely As A Cloud.

That was a great performance.

Say Wanda, now is it true that the inspiration for the song

came from that famous poem by Wordsworth?

Who?

Wordsworth.

Olivia is definitely not one of the Loving Cubs.

Well, I guess you could say that.

Yes.

Yeah, but there's something going on.

If you saw the way she looked at me in that dress--

OK, fine.

We'll talk to her tomorrow.

Tonight, we have plans.

Oh, is that so?

We have plans?

OK, let me rephrase.

Naima, I would like to take you out tonight, if you'd

be willing to give me a chance.

What do you have in mind?

Some good old Nashville, Tennessee fun.

[upbeat music]

(SINGING) When it's sly striking a man lighting a fire

and feeling the burn every last minute blow

the gas off the cliff just got big love don't hurt me.

I do you many and it's a good thing.

Well, it's a good thing.

[applause]

I mean, that kid is the future.

And we're working on a song right now that is so good.

Wait, are you going to take it to your father?

Every time I bring it up to my dad, he's just like, son,

stick to what we know.

But it was fun, and energetic, and innovative.

It's what I'm saying.

I'm surprised that he doesn't like it.

I try to tell him.

I don't know.

I mean, my dad's old school.

And when I bring it to him anything, he just,

I don't know.

He just refuses to listen.

So tell me about 0 to 60 guy.

Oh, my gosh.

He was persistent.

And maybe two dates in, it was love.

Oh, wow.

Two dates, huh?

Yeah.

And then it just wasn't, at least for him, anyway.

It's funny.

It's like you can be so sure about somebody,

and then so wrong about them, all at the exact same time.

I was just saying this.

OK, so, oh, my ex-girlfriend, she was a singer.

She tried to pretend like she didn't know who my dad was.

What?

Yes.

And then it finally came out.

She was like, what, I didn't know

your dad was a super producer.

But, I mean, it's just whatever.

I ignored the red flags.

And I made a promise to myself that I will never

let that happen again.

So I lived my life with eyes wide open.

Yeah, same.

So aren't you going to ask me why

I was so persistent with you?

Oh, I thought it was my smarts, and my beauty, and my kindness.

Is that what you said?

I mean, amongst other things.

OK.

You remember.

But sometimes, people ignore the signs, right?

When you are in tune yourself, your faith, universe, like,

the possibilities are out there, just begging to be seen.

Sometimes you just got to open our eyes.

(LAUGHS) Wow.

Together we make a palindrome?

Yeah.

Del Ray, I mean, what are the chances?

I have to say the chances are pretty slim.

[laughter]

When I first saw you, you so eloquently put me in my place.

And it was--

I don't know.

There's just something cool about you.

And it's like I got hit by a proverbial lightning bolt.

And then I noticed this.

Like something drew you to Nashville,

same way something drew me to work at the Museum that day.

This can't be random.

We were always told in church that nothing is random.

Right?

Or maybe our guardian angels are leading us to the truth.

You have to give people a chance to see who you are.

That's the truth.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe that's the approach you can take with your father, too?

Enough about my father.

This right here, you and me, this is too powerful for us

to ignore.

It would feel like a slap in the face, if we did.

And it will be to tempt fate.

I certainly wouldn't want to disappoint the gods.

Neither would I.

I know we're on the same page.

Me too.

[gentle music]

[door bell dings]

Hey, pretty lady.

Look what the cat dragged in.

And together too.

How you doing, Miss Olivia?

I'm good.

How are you?

Good.

Y'all here for breakfast, lunch, or dessert?

I actually just want to ask you something.

Anything, baby.

What?

So I'm doing research for my dissertation

on African-American girl groups.

And I saw this.

[gentle music]

Where did you get that?

That's been on the walls at the studio for years.

Like, I never noticed it.

But she saw it.

That's you, right?

Standing in front of the Loving Cubs,

wearing the dress that I was wearing the other night?

You're making a mountain out of a molehill, baby?

Yeah.

But it is you, right?

You knew the Loving Cubs?

You know, you should never wake sleeping dogs

from their slumber.

What does that mean?

That means I'm done talking about this.

OK, I don't understand.

If she knew them, why wouldn't she say something?

I don't know.

Maybe it was one of those situations where

she got kicked out of the group, you know, then you bringing it

up, that'll upset her.

You know what?

There's this guy who has a record store in town.

I mean, maybe he can help.

Yeah, because there's definitely something she's not saying.

Yeah.

[gentle music]

[door creaking]

Excuse me.

Are you Tubby?

It's not what my mama named me.

But it's what I got.

(LAUGHS) I was told that you might be able to help

me find a first edition copy of the Loving Cubs Album.

I need to see the original liner notes.

What you think you're going find on those old liner notes?

Someone I may have worked with them back in the day.

But it's all a bit of a mystery.

Yeah, there's a lot of secrecy surrounding that group.

Yeah, there is.

Why?

Probably on account of all the rumors.

What rumors?

There's old legends says the Loving Cubs didn't actually

sing Lonely As A Cloud.

What are you talking about?

Of course, they did.

Again, still rumors fueled by a clip of those girls

on the old TV Show America's top hits.

They stumbled their way through that one

and never performed live again.

I saw a video of that performance.

They were definitely off that day.

More than off.

Stranger than the $3 bill.

But people also say the moon landing was fake.

So there you go.

OK.

But, wait.

If they weren't the ones singing, then who was,

according to the rumors?

Why care about this so much?

You a reporter or something?

I'm a doctoral student working on a project.

But Lonely As A Cloud?

That's the music of my childhood.

And if there is a story there, then I'd

love to bring it to light.

There's a guitar player back in the day, Scoots McGee.

Session guy, he like to spin a tall tale.

But he swore up and down that he played on that song.

And these three backup singers, they are the talent behind it,

not those three girls on the TV show.

Backup singers?

Yeah, there were a lot of them back

in the '60s, biding their time behind the headliner

until they hit it big.

But unfortunately, most of them didn't.

There was Sheila Shake, Walter Lillie, the Soul Sisters,

the Daffodil Girls.

Wait, the Daffodil Girls.

I've been trying to find information about them.

I can't find anything.

That's probably by design.

In the early days before the internet,

it was easy to erase people.

Why would anybody want to erase them?

I don't know.

But if Scoots was right, maybe it's

because they were the ones behind Lonely As A Cloud.

Why wouldn't they just put their own name on the song?

I mean, everybody's looking for a hit.

And this is where my information ends.

Like I said, Scoots wasn't the most reliable source.

Also liked his drink.

So take it with a grain of salt.

I really need to find out who they are.

Is there anything else you can tell me about them?

According to Scoots, they sang backup for Chuck Berry

in the early days.

But unfortunately, that's all the information I have.

No, this has been incredibly helpful.

Thank you, Tubby.

[keyboard rattling]

[gentle music]

Olivia?

You were a backup singer?

And Gammy too?

[doorbell dings]

Hey, baby.

Naima, what's wrong?

You knew her.

You knew my grandmother.

And you didn't tell me when I asked you.

I saw a picture of you two at one of Chuck Berry's recording

sessions.

I can't talk about it.

Yes you can.

She didn't just want to be a singer.

She was a singer.

And if she had left her mark on the world,

then I need you to tell me.

Were the two of you in the Daffodil Girls?

Please say something.

I can't.

Why not?

I suggest you talk to Damian's daddy about this.

Franklin Berryhall?

He knew my grandmother?

That's all I'm going to say about this, baby.

Sorry.

Wait, Olivia.

Lonely as a Cloud?

The Daffodils.

[gentle music]

OK, and listen to this in vacant or in pensive mood,

they flash upon that inward eye, which is the bliss of solitude.

And then my heart with pleasure fills and dances

with the daffodils.

This is the poem that inspired that song, the one that Wanda

from the Loving Cubs look like a deer in headlights,

when they asked her about it on TV.

(CHUCKLES) I don't know, Naima.

This just sounds crazy.

Yeah.

But the poem, it mentions daffodils.

And it would certainly explain Dex's reaction,

when we mention them.

OK.

All I know is the Loving Cubs are the Loving Cubs.

And they didn't steal a song or anything

from these Daffodil Girls.

I mean, come on.

I mean, like, what are we talking about?

I don't know.

But I just know when I asked Olivia,

she said to talk to your father about it.

No, there's just no way that anyone else sung song, no way.

I mean, I'd know.

I mean, everybody would know.

Naima, it's my father's signature song.

And it's not about my dissertation at this point.

It is about my family.

And I need to know the truth.

That picture on the wall, Tubby, my grandmother, this book.

Remember when you told me about signs?

Well, they are staring at me.

And I cannot close my eyes to them.

I just-- I won't.

OK.

I'll give my dad a call.

And I'll see what I can find out for you.

Thank you.

Good morning, Naima.

Morning, Reggie.

I have a question for you.

Ask away.

You pointed me in the direction of the Daffodil Girls.

I'm curious, why?

Did I?

Yes, Reggie.

You did.

Well, sounds like you learned a little something

about those old gals.

I'm still in the information gathering stage.

Ah, so there's information to be gathered?

Oh, yeah, it would seem that way.

Look, Naima from the Coltrane song,

I want those girls get they do just as much as anyone.

But this is a small community.

It's best to exercise some discretion.

What are you talking about?

What girls?

Just be careful who you talk to about it.

There are some powerful people in this town, some

even attached to this Museum.

They won't take too kindly to a PR nightmare.

You have a good day.

[gentle music]

[doorbell ringing]

[door creaking]

Hey.

Hey, hi.

[door slams]

Hey.

I didn't expect to see you today.

Yeah, I just came by to see dad.

Wasn't at the office today.

He decided to work from home.

He's in the study.

OK.

How are you doing?

Good?

Fabulous.

You are coming to Friday Night dinner, right?

Yeah, of course.

Great.

So when are you going to let us meet the new girl you've

been seeing?

What are you talking about?

I have eyes everywhere.

Are you spying on me?

Oh, no, I wouldn't dare.

But I can't speak for your father.

Oh, my gosh.

Tell me about it.

But you know what new.

Besides I don't want you guys to scare away.

Oh, we wouldn't do that.

Besides, I haven't seen this twinkle in your eyes

in a while.

We just met.

(CHUCKLES) You should invite her to dinner.

I'm-- I don't know.

Maybe--

Damian?

OK, fine.

Good.

Thanks.

Good.

All right, I'll see you.

[door knock]

Hey, son.

Hey, hey.

This is unexpected.

How you doing?

Ah good, good, you know, just came in check on you.

Hey, dad?

Yes.

Real quick, what's the story behind different groups singing

Lonely As A Cloud.

Ah.

Those are just ugly rumors that resurface every now and then.

Lonely As A Cloud was sung by the Loving Cubs, Tommy, Jenny,

and Wanda.

They're just three friends from the neighborhood.

That's it.

That's it?

OK.

I bet you guys filmed tons of sessions back in the day.

You know, I'd love to check them out with you one day,

when you're free.

Well, it wasn't like we could just whip out a phone

and create a--

create a tic tac.

TikTok?

Whatever.

Look that was-- that was back in the '60s.

I don't even think there was a video of it.

Back then during the early sessions,

we just recorded on audio.

So you don't remember a group called the Daffodil Girls?

Because I think Miss Olivia at the diner,

I think she might have been one.

No, Damian, I don't.

And you want to know why?

Because if they were anything special,

I would have signed on the Berryhall.

And you would have already heard of them.

Now son, there's no there, there, OK?

Those are just a bunch of ugly rumors

that I swear are going to plague me, till the day that I die.

Now is that really what you came in to see me about?

Or are you here to talk to me about your music again?

Ah-- I mean, I am working with this new artist.

Really?

Yeah.

I believe he's going to be the next big thing, dad.

Oh.

It's even on CD, old school.

It's like you like it.

Tell you what?

I will give this CD a listen.

Really?

Really.

But I need you to get back to work.

And I'll see you on Friday.

Thanks.

Hey.

Yeah?

I love you, boy.

Love you too, dad.

[gentle music]

[phone rings]

Hey, Damian.

Hey, hey.

Hey, listen.

Naima, I spoke to my dad about what we talked about.

And there's nothing to it.

It's turned out to be rumors.

He didn't even know the Daffodil Girls were.

So sorry.

It's like there's no there, there.

Oh, OK.

Thanks for asking.

I got to get to class, OK?

Sorry.

[phone rings]

Hey, daddy.

I've got about 10 minutes between classes, OK?

And I got about 10 minutes before work.

I cannot wait till you never have to work another shift,

again.

Yeah, you, me, and my feet on the same page.

I got your message about Gammy.

OK.

So she never mentioned anything to you about her musical past?

I'm just as shocked as you are.

Singing back up for Chuck Berry?

Huh, man.

All she ever said was she had dreams.

But they weren't meant to be.

Daddy, I think that Gammy, and Olivia, and this other woman

were the actual singers of Lonely

As A Cloud, and not the Loving Cubs.

I mean, what else would explain her connection to that song?

I mean, that's a nice song.

Maybe that's all it is.

No, but the poem in the book, and her favorite flower

was the daffodil.

It's just-- it's too much of a coincidence.

If Gammy had done something spectacular in her life,

then the world needs to know.

We owe that to her.

Baby, we don't all get to leave our footprints on the moon.

Yeah, but this is her legacy.

I know this is hard for you to hear.

But we don't all get to matter, Naima.

I just-- I think we get to do more than that.

If she wanted us to know about any of this,

she had a million opportunities to tell us.

Maybe she couldn't.

How do you mean?

That's what Olivia said.

Maybe they were scared.

Or it was a legal issue or something.

I think I should talk to Franklin Berryhall myself.

And I think you need to think long and hard about what

you're doing, what you could be sacrificing.

Yeah.

Some things are worth the risk.

Thanks for seeing me, Professor.

I'm a little stuck.

What is the overarching question you're answering

with your dissertation?

I'm still trying to figure that out.

I guess I want to--

no, I need to shine a light on the inequities

of the early days.

OK.

So you focus more on the groups of the '50s and '60s?

Maybe.

Yeah.

You know the Shirelles were the first girl group

to have a number one with Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

Everyone wanted to recreate that magic.

But yet they were paid pathetically low session fees

and cheated out of their royalties.

They took whatever opportunity was

presented to them, no matter how meager, and just

said, thank you.

Here they were, these women, influencing

the trends of this male-dominated industry.

But behind the glitz, and the glam, and the amazing music

were real people who were being taken advantage of.

OK.

So find me some concrete examples of that.

And get me your research by the end of the quarter.

OK, I will.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

[r&b music]

(SINGING) Yeah.

Said I'm never.

Never going let love-- love--

go-- go.

Now that I found you.

Now that I found you, baby.

Said I'm never, never, never going to let love go.

Now that I--

Oh, baby-- I found you.

Never going let love go.

Said I'm never--

Whoa.

That's what I'm talking about.

Ruben, ladies, you guys sounded great.

It just keeps getting better every time.

Thank you, man.

Ruben, I'm going to send you the mixes in a few days,

then we'll go from there, all right?

Thanks, D. I'll see you later, man.

That was really good.

Hmm.

(LAUGHS) And I hope you're paying the background singers

well too.

Ah, Naima, it's a different time.

I know.

I just want to make sure that the artists are

being treated fairly.

OK.

I know my dad can be a lot of things.

But he's not the monster you made him out to be

in your mind.

I'm just trying to get to the truth.

That's all.

And what if a lot of people get hurt in the process?

Like, he's not just my father, Naima.

He-- he has hundreds of employees worldwide

that rely on him.

I know.

And I don't want to put you in an awkward position.

I really don't.

I just think this is bigger than both of us.

You're right.

You're right.

Matter of fact, you talk to him.

And then he could tell you what he told me.

Do you really think that?

Yeah, I have no reason to believe my dad would lie to me.

We can go to my parents' house.

We can have dinner.

And he can tell you himself.

And once you hear that, we'll put it all behind us, move on.

Cool?

Cool.

Did you really like it?

I loved it.

[gentle music]

Hey, Naima, here are some more Berryhall items.

Can you write up the description for the exhibits?

Yeah, of course.

Oh, and a bunch of us are getting takeout

from Olivia's, while we still can.

Do you want something?

What do you mean, while we still can?

What's going on?

You haven't heard?

Now I am--

I haven't been over there in a while.

Their landlord raised the rent.

And they haven't been able to make the payments.

You know how things go in Nashville nowadays.

All the institutions get pushed out by big business.

So what are they going to do?

Nothing they can do.

They're closing down at the end of the month.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

I know.

Me too.

Can we order you anything?

No, nothing for me.

I'm having dinner at Damian's parents' house tonight.

Is that right?

Look I understand that you have been searching for something

that could impact Mr Berryhall and his business

in a pretty big way.

How did you hear about that?

This music community is small, Naima.

The walls have ears.

I'm not trying to hurt him, Bianca.

I just want to know what role my grandmother played

in the industry all those years ago.

And I think he knows.

Listen, we are having the Berryhall exhibit open up

in a few weeks.

And he is a big benefactor for us.

So I'm going to put this delicately.

This is not a bear you want to poke just

as we're about to honor him.

You get what I'm saying?

[gentle music]

[upbeat music]

This is your parents' house?

Yep.

This is it.

Guess when a man doesn't come from much,

and then becomes self-made, he goes and buys the biggest house

around, because he can.

There's no need to get nervous.

My family's cool.

They're going to like you.

OK.

Just don't leave me alone.

I don't have a GPS for this house.

(CHUCKLES) I won't.

Naima, you look amazing.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

You ready?

I'm ready.

All right.

Let's go.

Well, down there, goes to the kitchen.

And right here, is the backyard.

[gentle music]

[water gurgling]

Ah huh.

Watch it now, huh.

OK.

So I didn't realize when you said dinner with your parents

you meant your entire family.

Yeah, I mean, we go big.

It's the Berryhall way.

It's actually really nice.

There they are.

Uh, oh.

Hey now.

Hello.

Hi, Phyllis.

Good to see you.

Good to see you.

Something smells good there.

What you cooking?

Mm-hmm.

You'll just have to wait and see.

Stay out of my kitchen.

And this is Naima.

Naima, it is so nice to meet you.

Thank you for having me, Miss Berryhall.

Oh, no.

None of that.

Not in this house.

Call me Phyllis Sciences.

OK, Phyllis.

So hey, where's our dad?

Oh, he's right down there.

Bang.

Got that-- Oh.

OK.

I'm going to introduce dad to Naima.

Good.

You ready?

Mm-hmm.

Sure?

[jazz music]

[chatter]

Hey, two What is that?

Take off.

Two, go you.

Oh, Oh, Oh, wait, wait.

My back, my back.

Get back.

Ah.

Boo!

[laughter]

Boy, you can't hurt steel.

Hey, son.

Hey, dad.

Oh, Miss Naima, good to see you again.

Welcome to our home.

Thank you for having me.

And you better hide, son.

The kids are looking for you.

They're going to recruit you.

Oh.

Too late.

Big Damo has always been one of the favorites of the kids.

It's probably because he's just a big kid himself,

as are we all.

I guess we are.

So I hear you want to discuss something with me.

Damian told you?

Mm.

Let's go to my study, talk about it, shall we?

Wow, this collection?

Yeah.

You know, they used to say that you

can tell a great deal about a person from his record

collection.

So what does mine tell you about me?

That you're a man of impeccable taste.

(CHUCKLES) And clearly, you are a woman of impeccable judgment.

So how do you like our fair city?

It's exactly as my grandmother described it,

just with a few more superstores than when she lived here.

Millie Williams, that was her name.

Did you happen to know her back in the day?

So why don't you ask me what you don't want to ask me?

Was it the Daffodil Girls singing on Lonely

As A Cloud, and not the Loving Cubs?

Think about what you're saying here

and what the repercussions would be for a great number

of people, if that were true.

All I can think of is the repercussions

for three girls who didn't get a chance to shine.

Allegedly.

Allegedly.

Yeah.

I'm sure you're aware that I've launched the careers of dozens

of artists, men, women, both Black and white,

not to mention engineers, producers, publishers,

secretaries, even session musicians.

And we even established the very first publishing company

for African-American songwriters,

right here in Nashville.

Your contribution has been vast.

And I'm not trying to diminish it.

Ah, Miss Naima, sometimes things aren't what they seem.

Sometimes they're exactly as they seem.

Millie Williams was a part of a trio of backup singers

from right here in town.

It consisted of her, Olivia from the diner, and another lady.

And they called themselves, the Daffodil Girls.

Well, they were never any Daffodil Girls on my label.

So, I'm sorry.

But I can't help you with that.

You know, my grandmother was the only mother I ever knew.

My mom died when I was one.

I'm sorry to hear that.

She would sing me to sleep every night.

And just before we go to bed, she would say,

every morning, you have two choices.

You can continue to sleep with your dreams,

or you can wake up and chase them.

I never understood why she pushed that on me so hard.

All I can say is, as a parent, you want

what's best for your children.

She didn't get to live her dream.

And I think you took it from her.

Like I said, sometimes things aren't what they seem.

I just want to know the truth, Mr Berryhall.

Why would Olivia tell me I should ask you?

I don't know.

Or maybe, just maybe you should stop

poking around in matters that don't really concern you.

[gentle music]

Yeah.

Just make it in the studio, man.

I'll see y'all.

[door slams]

Thank you for driving me home.

I just didn't want to stay for dinner.

I hope your stepmom isn't insulted.

Oh, she's a sweetheart.

Just couldn't sit there and pretend like nothing was wrong.

Hey, Naima, wait a minute.

Maybe it's time to end this.

What are you talking about?

This mission, you know.

I mean, nobody's telling you anything.

And you have asked everyone.

There's got to be a reason for that.

I can't just let this go.

Naima, you're talking about my family here.

And I'm talking about my family.

OK.

Damian?

Yeah.

There's a vault at Berryhall, right, with the session tapes?

What are you asking me, Naima.

I just want to see the tapes for Lonely As A Cloud.

They're probably just audio.

Probably?

You don't want to know?

Damian, please.

This is the last thing, I swear.

And if there's nothing there, I'll let it go.

I promise.

[gentle music]

Welcome to the vault, 500 square feet of climate

controlled chaos.

If those recordings still exist, this is where they'd be.

To see the names on these tapes, this

is like the soundtrack to my life.

To see this, to touch this, I somehow don't feel worthy.

Oh, you definitely worthy, because I wouldn't

risk this for just anyone.

I know.

And I hate that I'm putting you in this position.

But you're kind of doing it anyway.

So over here is where we keep the really old stuff.

OK.

I feel like I'm back at work.

1974, 1988, not even close to the correct year.

Wait a minute.

Think I got something.

You found it?

It's a video.

Yeah, everything transferred to VHS.

It's empty.

Yeah this one is too.

Someone must have taken it.

Someone who wants to hide the truth.

So I take it you're not letting this one go.

I have to go and see Olivia again.

[jazz music]

[doorbell dings]

Hey, hey, Miss Olivia.

Hey, you two.

I'm really sorry about the restaurant.

Really wish there was something I could do.

You and me both.

But we had a good run.

Yeah.

So I went to see Franklin.

And now I just have more questions.

Is that right?

All he said was sometimes things aren't the way they seem,

whatever that means.

Well, it means what it means, baby.

Nothing else matters.

My grandmother's life mattered.

I know that.

I guess no one can run me out of town if I'm already leaving.

Leaving?

What are you talking about?

Have a seat.

So we were just kids, May, Millie, and me.

We grew up singing in your great granddaddy's church.

He was the pastor, big powerful man, pillar of society.

Yeah, he died before I was born.

But I've seen pictures of him.

Well, we sang our hearts out every Sunday.

We had a gift.

And he would come to us and say, (GRUFF VOICE) y'all save that

singing for the Lord.

[chuckle]

So, one day, May came to us and told us

that she was picking up some extra cash

singing for the record companies, session work.

And me and Millie, we liked the sound of that,

because we didn't have any money for ourselves.

So we teamed up and started getting booked.

We sang gospel first, and then a little R&B.

Before long, it was rock and roll, blues, all of it.

Now all this was done on the sly,

because we knew that our fathers were not

going to be happy with their daughters running around,

singing the devil's secular music.

We had to be careful.

So everything was done after school or Bible study.

Then May started seeing this boy,

a guitar player named Scoots McGee.

He thought he was the next Chuck Berry.

He was no Chuck Berry.

But he was doing some session work

for a man who was starting his own label in his daddy's

basement.

My father?

Mm-hmm.

(SINGING) It is well.

It is well.

With my soul.

With My soul.

It is well.

It is well with my soul.

This is where girl groups were all the rage, you see.

And Franklin took a shine to us.

And we started working up a few songs.

Psst, Olivia, It's a song.

One day, while Millie and I were bored in English class,

we came across this poem.

And that set everything in motion.

That's going to be our name.

So we brought the song to Franklin.

And he loved it.

And we recorded it.

He bought us dresses and everything.

He was going to make us stars.

Look out, Cheryl's.

The Daffodil Girls are in town.

But we never got a chance to perform in those dresses.

Why?

We couldn't.

One of the deacons in your great granddaddy's congregation

saw us going down in that basement one day.

And it didn't take long for Millie's daddy

to track us down.

That was great.

That was great.

This is a hit.

Let's go for take two.

[suspenseful music]

What's going on down here?

Daddy, what are you doing here?

I'm sorry guys.

I'm sorry.

[tries to whistle]

So here Franklin has a song that can launch his career,

and a very angry pastor threatening him

for corrupting young girls.

You never told anyone about this.

It was actually singing?

Who's going to believe, a couple of teenagers?

Besides, girls like us, we don't get to be big stars.

Yeah, but Loving Cubs did.

And they didn't even have the talent to back it up.

Baby, we did what we were told.

We told the lads-- that our daddy said.

We found some papers that we didn't even understand.

And we promised under the fear of God

to never speak about it again.

And then your daddy gave us $500 each.

And that felt like a small fortune back then.

And every time you heard the song?

Sometimes it made me smile.

But nobody knows it was you.

Well, we knew.

And believe me, it hurt.

But what sense would it have made for us

to bring down the Loving Cubs because we didn't get a chance

to have our moment?

At least our music was heard.

I even went to see them perform once live.

That's the picture you found on the wall.

But everyone can know the truth now, Olivia.

There are tapes.

You saw them?

No.

But we know they exist.

Look, if you come forward with me,

you can finally get your due.

We can do an unveiling at the Berryhall exhibit.

Baby, I don't need that.

I've made a great life for myself.

I have Dex.

I have four beautiful children, and nine grandchildren,

and no regrets.

You deserve more credit, you, my grandmother, May.

May is gone, too.

I'm the only one left.

And I do not want to go to war with Berryhall Records.

(CHUCKLES) That was a lot.

Yeah.

Look, Naima, I get it.

It's your family.

And you got to do what you got to do.

I know it means a lot to you.

But if Berryhall Records goes down,

it affects everyone, past, present, and future.

I mean, it's my dad.

I can't be involved in taking down my family,

and everyone involved in that.

There's legacies there.

Is this about her or you?

She deserved more.

They all did.

Yes, they did.

This was their legacy.

We can't focus on what we had.

Got to focus on what we're building.

You're our legacy now, Naima.

You're doing something special on behalf of this family.

And I couldn't be more proud of you.

The small things matter too.

Dancing to their record, you got to share this with her.

You just didn't know it at the time.

What do I do?

You follow your heart, sweetheart.

And it'll never lead you wrong.

All right.

Well, this is going to be good.

(CHUCKLES).

Hey, son, you just in time.

I'm making one of my famous Berryhall sandwiches.

You want one?

No, not tonight, dad.

Are you sure?

All right.

You're not going to get any of mine when I finish.

I know everything, dad.

Well, that's quite a statement, son.

Nobody knows everything.

About the Daffodil Girls, dad.

The Loving Cubs, Lonely as a Cloud.

Yeah, I know.

And I know why you did it.

You knew the song was going to be a hit.

There's no way you could have let that sound go.

Even when they threatened you about it.

It's how you built all this.

That's why you are who you are.

And I'm sorry if it seemed that I was accusing you

of something underhanded.

I have no right to tell you how to run your business.

And can you forgive me?

Wow.

Don't worry about it, son.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah.

See you work.

Love you, dad.

You too.

[gentle music]

(CHUCKLES) Yes.

[doorbell dings]

I'm sorry, we're closed.

[clears throat]

Hey, Frankie.

Livy, Dexter.

Long time.

Yeah, it's been too long.

I need to talk to you.

I need to talk to both of you, actually, if you don't mind.

[jazz music]

Naima?

What are you doing here?

Franklin asked us to come.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please.

Looking around here is quite the walk through memory lane

for me.

Literally every corner in this exhibit

brings back a special moment in my life.

And for that, I am grateful.

And I want to thank you all for sharing it with me.

[applause]

But there is one--

one thing that's missing.

One very pivotal thing that's missing.

If you please turn your attention to the screen.

I'm sure a lot of you have heard the rumors.

They've been plaguing me for years about this song, Lonely

as a Cloud.

Well, I'm here to tell you that those rumors are true.

So I'm not a perfect man.

I've made some mistakes.

The real artists singing this song

are Millie Williams, May Friedland,

and Miss Olivia Brown.

[crowd gasps]

[applause]

The only remaining member of a group

known as the Daffodil Girls who I wanted on my roster

more than anything.

But circumstances just-- just made that impossible.

And standing right next to her is--

is Naima Williams, the granddaughter of Miss Millie

Williams, one of the singer, songwriters of the song that

made me a household name.

[applause]

I should have compensated you all in the way

that you deserved.

But I was just afraid that even the slightest gesture

would open up a can of worms.

It's never too late to be the bigger man, Franklin.

That's very true.

Which is why today I want to announce that Olivia's Soul

Food isn't going anywhere.

Today I just purchased the building for Olivia

and her husband, Dexter Brown.

[applause]

Wow.

So now and in the future, if you ever

have any complaints about your landlords,

you only have yourselves to blame.

[laughter]

And I'm going to throw in a little something extra.

As for Miss Millie and Miss May, who've both sadly passed

on a scholarship fund has been established in their names

for their heirs, both current and future.

And the proceeds from the song will now go to you all as well.

[gasp]

[sigh]

I've had 60 years of success.

But there comes a time when a man

has to know when to hang up his hat and pass the torch.

So I am thrilled to announce that from this day

forward, my son, Damian will be the president of Berryhall

Records.

[applause]

It's your time, son.

And your daddy is extremely proud of you.

Take us to the future, son.

(CHUCKLES) I worked hard for 60 years.

Y'all go celebrate with me.

[applause]

Wow.

That was unexpected.

For both of us.

You didn't blow the whistle.

It wasn't my whistle to blow.

Still a lot of story to tell.

Maybe we could do, you can.

Yeah.

I've been thinking about writing a book about the Daffodil

Girls.

You should.

Because I see it being a best seller.

Hey, babies.

Hey.

Hey.

All right.

You're going to tell me now?

Tell you what?

Oh, come on, Reggie.

You had a dog in this fight.

What was your role?

Ask the lady who was the lookout when they

were recording in the basement.

[tries to whistle]

And not a very good lookout either, Reggie?

What you talking about?

[tries to whistle]

Ah.

That.

[laughter]

[music - "lonely as a cloud"]

Come on.

Oh-oh.

Oh-oh.

There you go.

Shall we?

We shall.

(SINGING) I'm just a face in the crowd, so secure with joy

I found.

Now I'm limping.

Nothing gets to me.

I'll be floating along happily.

I appreciate every one of you coming out

to the Museum tonight.

I still can't believe that my book is a number one

bestseller.

[applause]

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And there are a few people in here

who played an important role in that, starting

with my dad, Thomas Williams.

Thank you for your support.

And then the original Daffodil Girl, Olivia Brown,

and Mr Franklin Berryhall.

Thank you both for allowing me to tell this incredible story.

And then finally, to my fiancee, Damian Berryhall.

Thank you for your love, and your support,

and your encouragement.

I love you.

[applause]

Thank you.

[music - "lonely as a cloud"]

(SINGING) Every morning when I wake up, I smile.

Because I find peace in a world so loud.

I know I'm more than just a face in the crowd,

so secure with this joy.