Stax Records and Craft Recordings have announced the release of “Stax Revue: Live in ’65,” a comprehensive collection capturing the legendary Memphis soul label’s historic two-night engagement at Los Angeles’ 5-4 Ballroom on August 7-8, 1965.

The deluxe set, releasing August 8, 2025, marks the first complete documentation of the pivotal concerts that brought Stax artists, including Booker T. & The M.G.’s, Rufus & Carla Thomas, William Bell, The Mar-Keys, The Mad Lads, and Wilson Pickett to Los Angeles audiences for the first time.

The 1965 concerts occurred just days before the Watts Rebellion, adding historical gravity to performances that represented a rare moment of racial unity in a segregated venue.

The 5-4 Ballroom had previously operated as a whites-only establishment before opening to Black audiences and performers, hosting legends like Billie Holiday and Nat “King” Cole.

DJ The Magnificent Montague emceed the shows as part of KGFJ radio’s “Summer Spectacular,” with his catchphrase “Burn, Baby, Burn” taking on ominous significance following the subsequent civil unrest.

The concerts marked a major milestone for Stax Records’ expansion beyond Memphis during a breakthrough year that established the label as a national force.

The collection expands significantly beyond the limited 1991 release “Stax Revue Live At The 5/4 Ballroom,” adding previously unreleased performances including Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour,” an extended version of Rufus Thomas’ “The Dog,” and Booker T. & The M.G.’s high-energy “Boot-Leg.”

Additionally, the set includes rare recordings from a Memphis performance at Club Paradise Featuring David Porter, Booker T. & The M.G.’s, The Astors, and Wendy Rene.

The audio has been remastered by GRAMMY-nominated engineer Joe Tarantino, with LP lacquers cut by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl.

“Stax was its own revolution, a small but mighty label delivering music that soothed and fired up a country dealing with some serious daily battles,” said GRAMMY-winning author Lynell George, who contributed new liner notes.

Producer Alec Palao described the recordings as “verité snapshots” capturing the urgency and raw energy of the moment.

The performances represented crucial career milestones for many artists experiencing their first major exposure outside Memphis markets.

The packed, enthusiastic crowds provided validation for Stax’s growing national ambitions during a transformative period for both the label and American popular music.

“Stax Revue: Live in ’65” will be available in 2-LP, 2-CD, HD digital, and standard digital formats, featuring liner notes from George and GRAMMY-nominated producer Palao.

The physical releases include comprehensive documentation of both the Los Angeles and Memphis concerts.

Pre-orders are available for US$32.99 through major retailers, with the collection shipping August 8, 2025.

The release preserves a pivotal moment in soul music history when Stax Records’ roster delivered electrifying performances against the backdrop of significant social and cultural change in America.