Lester Young Movies

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Jazz Shots from the West Coast, Vol. 2: 2005; Add Jazz Shots from the West Coast, Vol. 2 to Queue Add Jazz Shots from the West Coast, Vol. 2 to top of Queue

Starring:: Wes Montgomery, Gerry Mulligan, (more)

Lester Young & Billie Holiday: 1992

Two vocalists are captured performing some of their famous songs. "Jumpin' the Blues" and "Symphony in Black" are featured in Young's show. ~ All Movie Guide

Tenor Titans: 1992

Starring:: Branford Marsalis

Masters of American Music: Lady Day - The Many Faces of Billie Holiday: 1991; Add Masters of American Music: Lady Day - The Many Faces of Billie Holiday to Queue Add Masters of American Music: Lady Day - The Many Faces of Billie Holiday to top of Queue

Billie Holiday is recognized as one of the greatest blues and jazz vocalists of all time. This program tells her story. Holiday's song, "Strange Fruit," a reference to the lynching of black Americans in the South, was voted the most important piece of music of the 20th century. The singer experienced firsthand the indignities of racism in her native land. She found solace in the alcohol and drugs which eventually killed her. Her music continues to thrill audiences. Many of her signature tunes are included in this documentary, such as "St. Louis Blues," "My Man," and "God Bless the Child." Archival film clips show Billie Holiday in performances in film, television, and concert appearances. Interviews with musical colleagues and friends give insight into the troubled life of this giant of American music. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide

Masters of American Music: Celebrating Bird - The Triumph of Charlie Parker: 1987; R; Add Masters of American Music: Celebrating Bird - The Triumph of Charlie Parker to Queue Add Masters of American Music: Celebrating Bird - The Triumph of Charlie Parker to top of Queue

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