African American Documentary

Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada was but a distant irritation to everyone but his own countrymen and the British Empire until his perfidy became headline material in the early '70s. The first director to provide an in-depth study of this gregarious madman was director Barbet Schroeder, with his General Idi Amin Dada. In this documentary, Schroeder and his crew travel to Uganda to spend several days with the despot, one-on-one. The uncomfortable truths revealed in the film are all the most amazing when one realizes that Schroeder could not release his documentary without Amin's approval. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Last of the Blue Devils is an affectionate backward glance at the Kansas City "blues" scene of the 1930s. Established as a mecca for jazz musicians during the Prohibition Era, K.C. spawned some of the best musical talent of the era. The film's nostalgia is leavened with mild outrage in noting that, while many of the best blues men were permitted to strut their stuff before white audiences, none were allowed to utilize anything other than "colored only" facilities. Count Basie is the biggest "name" represented in the film, though this should not diminish the contribution of such dynamos as Big Joe Turner, Walter Page and Jay McShann. Last of the Blue Devils was produced and directed by Bruce Ricker, who later turned out a praiseworthy documentary on Thelonious Monk. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

As the queen of the bebop, Sarah Vaughan's popularity was unmatched for several decades. Her constantly evolving vocal style insured her a place in some of the world's greatest big bands. In her mature years, Vaughan proved singers merely get better with age. Sarah Vaughan: The Divine One showcases the legendary voice in concert. Championed by Billy Eckstine, Vaughan rose quickly through the jazz ranks. Her ability to manipulate a tune earned her a reputation as one of the finest musicians of the new bebop era. In this release, she performs many of the songs that brought her fame: "Misty," "Send in the Clowns," "I've Got a Crush on You," and "Someone to Watch Over Me." Sarah Vaughan: The Divine One also features footage of interviews with those that were closest to her. ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide

One year before the Clint Eastwood-directed Bird, Gary Giddins likewise covered the life and work of jazz great Charlie "Bird" Parker in this absorbing documentary. Rare filmclips of Parker in action on the alto and tenor sax are intertwined with the live reminiscences of his contemporaries. Among those interviewed are Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus. As a bonus, we see them in performance as well (and there are many, many bonuses in this film). As the title indicates, this is a celebration of Bird's life, though one cannot help but come away from the film grieving over Parker's premature death at age 34 in 1955. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This documentary combines black-and-white with color photography to tell the story of heavyweight boxing champion Mohammed Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay before his religious conversion to the Black Muslims. Richard Kiley narrates, and personal accounts from Joe Louis and Ali himself firmly puts Ali in an elite group of boxers that is second only to Louis in the sport's popularity and stature. Fights from director Jim Jacobs film library show Ali against Henry Cooper, Floyd Patterson, Jerry Quarry and the controversial knockdown of Sonny Liston. Ali proclaims himself to be both the greatest and the prettiest fighter ever to enter a boxing ring. Legendary trainer Cus D'Amato is on hand to keep his prizefighter focused and takes his boxer's self-promoting flamboyance in perspective. The late Malcolm X gives his opinion about Ali, and the champ meets one of his childhood heroes from Hollywood, comedian Stepin Fetchit, whom Ali credits with providing him with a knockout punch lifted from the actor's screen antics. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

This video documents the evolution of jazz. It began in 19th century New Orleans, where the slaves first introduced the rhythms of African music. Story of Jazz follows the developement of jazz music from the blending together of African rhythms, European and American folk, and classical styles. Included are performances by: Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Willie "the Lion" Smith, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmie Lunceford, Louis Armstrong, Charles Mingus, Count Bassie, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Gil Evans, and Sara Vaughan. Rare film clips, vintage footage, and photo's complete this indepth look at Jazz. ~ Beth Deki, All Movie Guide

The career of the "first lady of song," Ella Fitzgerald, is spotlighted in this 90-minute documentary. Featuring the most comprehensive concert footage of Fitzgerald ever assembled, rare interviews with her family and colleagues, and the Decca & Verve photos, this edition of the American Masters series should not be missed. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide

Brilliant and always controversial filmmaker Spike Lee has directed some of the finest films to come out of America in the '80s and '90s including She's Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, and Malcolm X. This documentary pays tribute to his career and achievements. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide

From the Beats of the Heart documentary series, originally aired on public television, comes Roots, Rock Reggae: Inside the Jamaican Music Scene. This film offers a street-level look at the culture birthing reggae and features vintage performances by some of the genre's leading artists, as well as personal interviews and studio scenes. Viewers travel from Jamaica's Trenchtown ghetto to the serene hills of Kingston where followers of Rastafari drum and sing hymns. Rasta forms the base of reggae music, which developed from elements of American rock and blues, Caribbean musical styles, folk music, Pocomania church music, Jonkanoo fife and drum bands, fertility rituals, plantation work songs and other musical forms. Musicians appearing in this video include Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Toots and The Maytals, Jacob Miller & Inner Circle, The Abysinnians, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Ras Michael & Sons of Negus, and Joe Higgs. Beats of the Heart is comprised of 15 volumes including, Chase the Devil: Religious Music of the Appalachians, Salsa: Latin Pop Music in the Cities, There'll Always be Stars in the Sky: Indian Film Music and others. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide

Three hip-hop lovin' gals from New York attempt to hustle their way into the sold-out Source Awards in this documentary that shows anything is possible if you put your mind - and body - to it. From stripping down for a skinny-dipping session in the pool of a four-star hotel, to exposing their charms in hopes of coaxing a free dinner out of a desperate diner, there's nothing these ladies won't do to make their dreams of mingling with the hip-hop elite come true. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Hip-hop artist Jay-Z tells a story about life in the streets, combining a narrative structure and musical numbers into an autobiographical tale of his life in Brooklyn, from hustler to performer. The title of the video comes from his album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 and also includes numbers by M.O.P, Sauce Money, and Memphis Bleek. This is Jay-Z's first direct-to-video release; it's self-directed, and aims to give a realistic view of his neighborhood without the commercial flash of over-the-top rap displays. Realism pervades within the framework of this music video, or "videomentary," about street life. Streets Is Watching is affiliated with Roc-A-Fella Records.
~ Leslie Birdwell, All Movie Guide

Motown Records created one of the most distinctive sounds in the history of rock and roll. Based in Detroit, Michigan, the label created, along with the British invasion, the soundtrack of the cultural upheaval that was the 1960s. This documentary captures a 1987 reunion concert featuring some of Motown's biggest stars including Martha Reeves, Mary Wells, David Ruffin, and Eddie Kendricks. They perform over two-dozen songs including "My Guy," "Nowhere to Run," "Heat Wave," "Just My Imagination," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "The Way You Do the Things You Do." ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide