Film Screening at Crosstown: A Celebration of the Mad Lads and The Invaders

The Invaders youth organization founded in 1967 impacted communities across Memphis by working to improve conditions for the city’s poorest residents. In 1968, the group worked closely with the Sanitation Workers Strike to assist with their call for the right to organize, which ultimately brought Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Memphis. Among its members was veteran John Gary Williams, who worked as the Minister of Defense for the Invaders.  Prior to joining the group, Williams was the lead singer of The Mad-Lads at Stax Records. At the same time the Invaders were growing, Williams was busy cranking out songs at Stax; The Mad-Lads had success with hits such as “Don’t Have to Shop Around” and “I Want Someone.”

Williams is perhaps best known musically for his 1972 solo LP at Stax and the single “The Whole Damn World is Going Crazy”, recorded after a short prison sentence. However, within the community of Soulsville and beyond, Williams is best remembered as a family man, a minister, and a counselor to his fellow community members. His is a story of love for sweet soul music, dedication to helping others, and second chances as a singer, community leader, and a believer in a better world.

This two-night celebration of John Gary Williams’ legacy begins Thursday, October 26 with a screening of Prichard Smith’s 2015 documentary The Invaders at Crosstown Theater at 7:00PM, released this year on Mass Appeal and narrated by Nas.  The following evening, on Friday, October 27, a very special event will be held at the Stax Museum, celebrating both The Mad-Lads and The Invaders with live music by the new Mad-Lads and the Stax Music Academy Alumni Band. The evening will include a live performance, a panel discussion, and a new Invaders exhibit containing Williams’ Mad-Lads stage suit jacket, his Invaders’ jacket and more. Doors open at 6 pm to allow attendees to enjoy the new exhibition followed by the event at 7 pm.