What is the true story behind Talk to Me?
The 2007 film Talk to Me is a biographical drama about Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene, an ex-con who became a popular radio talk show host and community activist in Washington, D.C. in the 1960s. The film was directed by Kasi Lemmons and stars Don Cheadle as Greene, Chiwetel Ejiofor as his friend and manager Dewey Hughes, Taraji P. Henson as his wife Maxine, and Cedric the Entertainer as his friend and fellow DJ Rufus. So, what is the true story behind Talk to Me movie?
What is the true story behind Talk to Me movie?
The true story behind ”Talk to Me” movie is based on the real-life story of Greene. Who was born in 1929 and grew up in poverty in Washington, D.C. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade and got involved in crime. In 1954, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for armed robbery.
While in prison, Greene began to develop his talent for radio. He was allowed to host two daily 20-minute shows on the prison’s public address system. He used these shows to talk about his experiences in prison and to offer advice to other inmates.
After being released from prison in 1965, Greene managed to secure a job as a disc jockey at WOL-AM, a black-owned radio station in Washington, D.C. Soon after, his outspoken and irreverent style swiftly elevated him to a prominent figure on the station. Furthermore, he frequently delved into controversial subjects, such as racism, poverty, and drug abuse, using his platform to passionately champion social justice.
Greene’s radio show was a major force in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He used his platform to speak out against segregation and discrimination. He also helped to raise money for civil rights organizations.
Greene died of liver cancer in 1984 at the age of 54. He is still remembered as one of the most influential radio personalities of all time.
The film “Talk to Me” does a good job of capturing the essence of Greene’s life and career. Moreover, it presents a powerful and inspiring story about a man who overcame adversity to ultimately become a force for good in the world.
