The film is the first, definitive documentary on the life of the legendary jazz vocalist. In Anita's own words, we hear the tale of a musical genius who broke race barriers and lived her life boldly, unconventionally without ever looking back. She overcame great adversities including a 15 year long heroin addiction, rape, and alcoholism. Anita's life epitomized the story of survival by a female American master.
The film showcases rare and never before seen vintage performances and archival interview footage where Anita speaks candidly with television icons who include Dick Cavett, Bryant Gumble, David Frost and Harry Reasoner. The film also includes interviews from vocalists Annie Ross and Margaret Whiting, Jazz Impresario George Wein, award winning arrangers, including Johnny Mandel, Bill Holman, Russell Garcia and many others. Other interviews include actor/producer John Cameron Mitchell, acclaimed writers Jim Gavin and Will Friedwald and other friends from different times in Anita's life. It is a tribute to the singer, considered by many one of our Country's rare, national treasures.
May I know who reviewed this article? I am a Stanford teacher and jazz vocalist interested in Ms. O'Day.
that's probably the only word to describe this talent - awesome.
Anita O'Day is one of the definitive voices of jazz and I'm really pleased I found this blog post. I'm goign to write about it on my blog sometime soon.
Thanks.