ABOUT THE FILM

BOBBY'S KIDS is the story of how one man empowered a whole generation to see the possibility in going to college through music. Bobby L. Brown was the iconic band director of the Mackenzie High School "Band of Renown" of Detroit. Mr. Brown, a Southern University graduate and alumni of the famed band The "Human Jukebox" brought the HBCU Marching Band culture to Detroit in the 80's when drugs, murders, and crime were at an all-time high. Building a band from nothing, in just a few short years the band had raised to national acclaim and Brown had sent dozens of students on scholarships to Southern University and other HBCU's like Florida A&M, Jackson State, Tuskegee, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Delaware State, Alabama State - all on band scholarships. At one time Mr. Brown had nearly 40 students all from Mackenzie High School attending Southern University on band scholarships - a little known historic achievement. 

It also covers the rise and fall of the Detroit Public School Systems band culture while bringing hope with the resurgence of Detroit's current bands and new roads to recruitment. Included in the film are exciting performances, the rich legacy of the Southern University "Human Jukebox", never before seen footage of Dr. Greggs, iconic leader of the band and interviews with current Human Jukebox visionary director Kedric Taylor as well as current members of the band from Detroit. Bobby L. Brown created a family of band students that spread across the globe and his legacy is present in current HBCU band programs which will be featured in the documentary.  His story and impact had never been told until now. BOBBY'S KIDS is a story of tough love, drive, and demonstrates the spirit of Detroit which is fueled by the relentless spirit of the underdog. BOBBY'S KIDS has a universal message that all can understand - exposure is everything, therefore "What You Can See You Can Be" - which was the consistent element Brown engrained in his students.