Born In Chicago

Born In Chicago is a documentary that explores the transmission of musical knowledge between generations and cultures. The film examines how first-generation blues musicians who migrated from the Mississippi Delta to Chicago influenced an unexpected group of white, middle-class youth. These young followers visited clubs in Chicago ghettos to study the genre under the guidance of established masters, eventually developing their own approach to the music.

The film was directed by Bob Sarles and John Anderson. Within the chronological list of works directed by Sarles, this project follows his 1980 film Fantastic. The screenplay was written by Joel Selvin, who also served as a producer alongside Richard Foos and Bob Emmer. The production was a collaboration between Anderson Productions, Ravin' Films, and Out the Box Records.

The cast includes 20 credited individuals, featuring Bob Dylan, Carlos Santana, Bill Graham, B.B. King, and Buddy Guy appearing as themselves. Dan Aykroyd provides the narration for the 77-minute United States production. Released in March 2013, the documentary focuses on the intersection of mentorship and the evolution of the blues.