Two songs covered by Gary Clark Jr. are featured on the just-released soundtrack to the critically acclaimed motion picture 12 Years A Slave. The soundtrack, MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY 12 YEARS A SLAVE, was curated by GRAMMY Award-winner John Legend, each recorded specifically for the film and inspired by the true story of Solomon Northup.
Clark contributes a pair of songs, "When The Sun Goes Down," which has been covered by an array of artists since the mid-'30s, including Lonnie Johnson and Big Maceo, and "Freight Train," which was written by Elizabeth Cotten and covered by such artists as Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Rusty Draper. Clark performed both songs solo with just electric guitar and vocals. These raw and authentic recordings reveal a rare and pure distillation of Gary at this most soulful. Other artists who appear on the album include Alicia Keys, Chris Cornell featuring Joy Williams, Laura Mvula, Cody Chesnutt, and Alabama Shakes. MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY 12 YEARS A SLAVE is out digitally now and can be purchased here. The physical release is set for November 19th, 2013 on Columbia Records. 12 Years A Slave is based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life. 12 Years A Slave premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2013. The film was released on October 18, 2013.Videos