The Vietnam War, a new 10-part series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick that will begin airing on PBS on September 17, 2017, will be accompanied by two companion soundtracks to be released on September 15, 2017, Universal Music Enterprises announced today.
The Vietnam War – Original Score will feature over 90 minutes of new, original music on 2CD and 3LP, written and recorded by Academy Award-winning composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. In addition, The Vietnam War - The Soundtrack includes many of the iconic songs representing the era, including 38 tracks on 2CD chosen from the 120 tunes featured in the film. The soundtrack will include: The Beatles; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Rolling Stones; Bob Dylan; Jimi Hendrix; Buffalo Springfield; Simon & Garfunkel; Janis Joplin; Phil Ochs; The Temptations; Barry McGuire; The Byrds; Otis Redding; The Animals; Santana; Marvin Gaye; Nina Simone; The Temptations; Booker T. and the M.G.s; Pete Seeger and more.
"The Vietnam War era produced some of the greatest, most impactful music ever recorded. We are grateful that so many artists from the period wanted to be part of the film and now the soundtrack. We were equally fortunate to have had the tremendous honor to work with Trent and Atticus. Their original score beautifully complements the music from the time. And we are absolutely thrilled that our audience will now have the chance to own the original score along with some of the best music from the film," said Ken Burns and Lynn Novick in a joint statement.
Sarah Botstein, the senior producer on the film, said, "We are indebted to a great number of musicians, their families, agents, lawyers, technicians and others, all of whom came together to make it possible for our film to include these extraordinary songs. We can all agree that the music from this time was unprecedented in its originality and impact. We could not have told this story without access to these iconic tunes. Much of this music remains popular among people of all ages, and it was a true privilege to put the music in its historical context and understand why it continues to resonate today."
"We are honored to work with Ken, Lynn, Sarah, Trent, Atticus and all of the artists who contributed music to the film and the soundtrack. Each piece of music was chosen after careful deliberation as each song transports you to a specific time, sets the tone, and connects you to that moment," adds Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, UMe.
Over the course of several years, Burns, Novick and producer Sarah Botstein shared with Reznor and Ross raw interview footage and scenes from rough cuts of the film, and suggested a range of feelings they hoped the music would evoke—rage, courage, sadness, fear, chaos, loss, love, sacrifice, aggression, loneliness, anxiety. They also provided a collection of sound effects from the era for the composers to work with.
"We are incredibly honored to be a part of this project. With 'The Vietnam War,' Ken, Lynn and Sarah have created something of vital importance. To bear witness to their process was immensely inspiring."
"The sheer scale of the project combined with the magnitude of the subject matter was initially daunting for us, but the commitment, care and reverence they displayed made the experience deeply satisfying on many levels," said Trent Reznort and Atticus Ross in a joint statement.