The tale of Donnie and Joe Emerson‘s musical journey reads like a fairytale. In the heart of rural Fruitland, Washington, the two brothers chased their dreams of becoming musicians as teenagers. Their blue-eyed soul album, “Dreamin’ Wild,” released in 1979, was met with disappointment, nearly leading to the bankruptcy of their family farm.
Fast forward over 30 years, and a record collector discovers their album in an antique store in Spokane. A favorable review on his music blog triggers a viral surge in interest, particularly for the soulful ballad “Baby.” This resurgence prompts record label Light in the Attic to seek out the forgotten artists in 2011, leading to the album’s re-release a year later. Tastemaker publication Pitchfork hails it as a “godlike symphony to teenhood.”
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Now, the film “Dreamin’ Wild,” starring Casey Affleck as Donnie, Walton Goggins as Joe, Zooey Deschanel as Nancy Sophia, Beau Bridges, and Chris Messina, captures this remarkable journey on the big screen.
The Emerson brothers confirm and clarify the true events depicted in the film. Did Donnie Emerson really remain unaware of the album’s viral success? In 2011, their daughter stumbled upon the album cover and the song “Baby” on YouTube, boasting around 14,000 hits at the time. Today, “Baby” has garnered over 30 million streams on Spotify and approximately 50 million on all platforms. The exposure has not only brought attention but also numerous performance opportunities for the Emersons and their band.
The film also portrays the Emerson family’s strong support, and reality aligns with fiction. Donnie’s parents were instrumental in fostering his musical aspirations. Don Sr. and Salina built a studio on their farm, showcasing unwavering support. Even into their 90s, they continue to passionately promote their sons’ music. Don Sr.’s cameo in the film reflects his genuine investment in his sons’ musical journey.
Donnie’s ambivalence about re-releasing ‘Dreamin’ Wild’ was authentic. Despite prior offers, he hesitated due to the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the potential toll on his family. This sentiment was shared by his wife, Nancy, who acknowledged the cautious optimism that accompanied the prospect of a resurgence.
The film’s portrayal of a backstage eruption after a performance at the Showbox in Seattle has some creative liberties, but it accurately captures Donnie’s perfectionist tendencies. As a stickler for groove and tempo, he cared deeply about the music’s accuracy.
The real story of Donnie and Joe Emerson’s journey from obscurity to rekindled fame is both heartwarming and inspiring. It showcases the enduring power of music, family support, and the unexpected twists that can transform a forgotten dream into a vibrant reality.