THUNDER SOUL tells the true story of Conrad O Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band

It was afros and pleated shirts; James Brown and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary funk powerhouse.

Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades, still they dust off their instruments determined to retake the stage to show Prof and the world that they’ve still got it.

This website is written and maintained by the filmmakers.
THUNDER SOUL awards.

  • SXSW - Audience Award (Lone Star States)
  • Heartland Film Festival - Crystal Heart Award
  • Hot Docs - Audience Award
  • Los Angeles Film Festival - Audience Award
  • Dallas International Film Festival - Audience Award
  • Aspen Film Festival - Audience Award
  • Indie Memphis - Best Documentary Feature
  • Pan African Film Festival - Best Documentary Feature
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The packed auditorium waits with anticipation as Conrad “Prof” Johnson approaches the stage, because the Kashmere Stage Band is about to perform.

The Kashmere Stage Band poses with their guitars as their weapons of funk.

DJ Shadow Featured in "Thunder Soul"

The influential and amazing DJ Shadow has given “Thunder Soul” a shout-out on his official website. Shadow appears in the film, along with his iconic track “Holy Calamity” which samples the Kashmere Stage Band’s song “Kashmere.” Obviously we’re a huge fan of Shadow’s work, and are flattered that he’s so passionate about our film.

Thunder Soul poster

Thunder Soul poster

You too can look this good!

You too can look this good!

Ladies look great in Thunder Soul shirts

Ladies look great in Thunder Soul shirts

Attention Thunder Soul and Kashmere Stage Band Fans! We need your help getting the Kashmere Reunion Stage Band to Los Angeles for our LA Film Fest screening on June 26th at the Ford Amphitheater. We’ve started a fund-raising effort on Kickstarter (click on the widget below to go to the page). Those that contribute can get a variety of goodies including the Texas Thunder Soul album, a limited edition Thunder Soul poster, the T-shirt shown above, and other great rewards. If we can raise enough money by the deadline, the band will perform LIVE for all 1200+ attendees! There’s only a few weeks left!