From Cradle To Stage * The Ultimate Rock-umentary!
Directed by Dave Grohl and inspired by his mother, Virginia Hanlon Grohl, and her critically-acclaimed book, From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars, the Live Nation Productions From Cradle to Stage is a dynamic personal exploration of the special relationship between successful musicians and their moms. The six-part series will debut exclusively on Paramount+.
Honest, humorous and emotional, each episode features a famous performer and their mother, alongside Dave and Virginia, as they take an impassioned journey home and explore each artists’ upbringing and the tools they received as a young talent to survive the turbulence of success. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “This show is so creative. Virginia’s and David travel around the United States to learn more about their musical friends. It’s so interesting seeing rare videos and pictures of the stars, along with first-hand stories about their formative years. From Cradle To Stage shows how the love of music runs in the veins of these artists from an early age. You see how Virginia’s love of music spread to David, who grew up surrounded by music.” See her full review below.
From Cradle To Stage
By Heather Suarez, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
From Cradle To Stage is the ultimate music documentary series! From rock, to country, to pop, we learn so much about our favorite musicians and the women that raised them. A plus is that we get to see their adorable baby pictures.
This new series is based on the book by the same name written by Virginia Hanlon Grohl, mother of David Grohl, drummer of Nirvana and guitarist for the Foo Fighters. The two discuss what it was like raising and being raised as a rock star. They also team up with Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, Pharell Williams, Miranda Lambert and their mothers to talk about the childhoods of these incredible artists. The show answers a loaded question, “What was it like to raise a musician?”
This show is so creative. Virginia’s and David travel around the United States to learn more about their musical friends. It’s so interesting seeing rare videos and pictures of the stars, along with first-hand stories about their formative years. From Cradle To Stage shows how the love of music runs in the veins of these artists from an early age. You see how Virginia’s love of music spread to David, who grew up surrounded by music. It’s very insightful to watch how a mother’s love and support encouraged her child to pursue a mutual love for music. Although worrisome, these mothers always encouraged their children to pursue doing what they love. It’s heartwarming to gaze upon the mothers’ collection of framed platinum records and Rolling Stone magazines.
The moral of the series is to always have your child’s back. In the music industry, where some become famous Grammy winners and others are not as lucky, these mothers always supported their children. Whether or not the parents supported the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and fame their child pursued, they always put their child’s happiness first. Always asking, “How can we help?” There are some warnings for this series in regards to adult language and mentions of alcohol and drugs.
I give From Cradle To Stage 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages older teens, plus adults. It is available on Paramount+ May 6, 2021.
