Sweet As Candy

Written by Ron Cobert

Inspiration

As Sammy Kaplan and I, Ron Cobert, continue developing the TV series Danceland, we are also crafting the individual music dramas from the saga that bring the Lovelane music catalog to life. Sweet As Candy is just one of many.

Plot

The feature film Sweet as Candy is inspired by the true story of Morris Kaplan and his family, capturing the dramatic and gritty realities of their lives during a challenging era. Set in Detroit in 1948, the film follows Morris’ daring decision to break free from adversity and seize an opportunity to build a new future away from his days of being a wheelman for the Purple Gang. Amid the trials of the time, Morris discovers extraordinary musical talent in Floyd “Candy” Johnson and the Peppermint Sticks. He takes a bold leap to record their groundbreaking sound, forever changing the course of his life and theirs, forging an unbreakable bond amidst the challenges of systemic oppression and cultural barriers.

Synopsis

Set against the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of Detroit in the 1940s, Sweet As Candy tells the electrifying story of Floyd “Candy” Johnson, a charismatic Black saxophonist, and his band, the Peppermint Sticks. Floyd “Candy” Johnson (May 1, 1922, in Madison, Illinois – June 28, 1981, in Framingham, Massachusetts) was an American jazz saxophonist. Known for his infectious charm and unwavering principles, Floyd earned the nickname “Candy,” not just for his sweet melodies but because he abstained from alcohol and was famous for handing out buckets of candy to his audiences and everyone around him. His candy giveaways and his music made him a beloved figure in the community, symbolizing his generosity and commitment to bringing joy to all.

Floyd’s talent shines on the smoky stages of Paradise Valley and Hastings Street, where jazz and blues meld with the dreams of a community yearning for recognition. His band, decked in candy-striped suits and notorious for their crowd-pleasing antics, captivates audiences while facing relentless societal barriers. The story deepens when Floyd encounters Morris Kaplan at the Flame Show Bar.

Hearing Floyd’s play reaffirmed that Morris was inspired to purchase a Wilcox-Gay Wire recorder to record music. Floyd became the first musician to be recorded by Morris and the first artist with Danceland Records. Morris soon became a record producer with a passion for discovering untapped talent, pre-Motown.

Their collaboration becomes a powerful testament to unity and innovation. Using a Wilcox-Gay Wire recorder, Morris’ technical skills and business savvy, and Floyd’s raw musical genius talent, they create sounds that transcend racial divides, challenging the conventions of the era.

The film explores the nuanced relationship between Detroit’s Black and Jewish communities—both marginalized in their ways—and highlights how their shared struggles forged lasting cultural and personal bonds, all for the love of music and candy the sweet. From the bustling jazz clubs of Detroit to the recording studios shaping the future of American music, Sweet As Candy reveals a symbiotic partnership that defied the odds to create groundbreaking art.

Rich in historical detail and musical performances, Sweet As Candy is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, cultural exchange, and the enduring power of music to bridge divides. At its core, it is a celebration of Floyd “Candy” Johnson’s unique legacy and a pivotal moment in Detroit’s history, where two communities found harmony in a shared dream and changed the world of music forever.

In 1951 Candy left Danceland Records to go to Count Basie Orchestra, recording with Basie for Clef Records, then began working in more of a rhythm and blues vein with Bill Doggett.

Audience Appeal

Multi-generational and culture, tapping into music history and nostalgia for older viewers while engaging younger audiences with historical story, humor, and music.

• Lighthearted and comedic music drama with an emotional core, showcasing themes of connection, joy, and nostalgia.
• This dual-format approach delivers a comprehensive campaign, blending cinematic storytelling with shareable, lighthearted content to capture hearts across generations.
• Celebrate the glamour of the 1940s while making it playful and accessible to modern audiences through humor and candy.
• Music and story, spotlighting Morris Kaplan, music producer of the iconic Danceland Records, and Candy Johnson, an iconic saxophonist with a love for candy, connecting his jazzy 1940s flair to today’s remix culture.

By blending nostalgia, humor, music, and storytelling, this campaign delivers an engaging, multi-faceted experience that resonates across generations. It’s not just about selling candy—it’s about creating a cultural moment that connects hearts and builds lasting brand loyalty.

Soundtrack

The film features Candy Johnson and the Peppermint Sticks’ Sweet As Candy album as its heartbeat, with remixes for modern sequences. Soundtrack – “Sweet As Candy” Album, six original instrumental tracks.