Dizzy Gillespie Movies

The beloved characters from the long-standing Family Circus comic strip make an appearance in this animated holiday film. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide

Pre-eminent African-American dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey is honored in this celebratory performance. Members of his dance company perform three of his works, "For Bird, with Love," "Witness," and "Memoria." The fourth dance, choreographed by Ulysses Dove, is a ballet tribute to Ailey entitled "Episodes." Commentary for this film is provided by Judith Jamison, former principle dancer for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and director of the company since Ailey's death in 1989. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide

This biography of musical legend Benny Goodman contains testimonials from various contemporaries and scholars, and offers several clips of the man in performance. Nearly two-dozen songs can be heard including "California, Here I Come," "A Fine Romance," "Why Don't You Do Right," "I've Got a Heart Full of Music," and "Bugle Cal Rag." The DVD release of the documentary contains a discography. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

One of the true legends of jazz, Dizzy Gillespie was one of the founding fathers of be-bop, a pioneer in Afro-Cuban jazz, a striking and unique stylist on the trumpet, and a tireless showman who never gave less than 100 percent for his fans. Dizzy Gillespie: A Night in Chicago is a live video which captures a live club date from the late '80s, with Diz joined by Sayyad Abdul Al-Kahbyyr on sax, Walter Davis Jr. on piano, John Lee on electric bass, and Nassyr Abdul Al-Kahbyyr on drums. Selections include "A Night in Tunisia," "Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac," "'Round Midnight," and "Nature Boy." ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Image presents this live concert performance by one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, legendary trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Recorded in 1981, Dizzy Gillespie: Live in Montreal features the puffy-cheeked performer on-stage in Quebec, joined by Ed Cherry on guitar, Michael Howell on bass, and Thomas Campbell on percussion for such songs as "The Truth," "A Night in Tunisia," and "Dizzy's Blues." ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

In this crime drama, a jazz pianist working the summer at the exclusive Lady Bird Club in Portugal as an accompanist for legendary trumpet player (portrayed by Dizzy Gillespie!) has a passionate affair with an enigmatic, ultimately conniving woman, who turns out to be married to a brutal mobster who with his cohorts, smuggles guns in hopes of overthrowing Portugal's democratic government. A murder causes the woman's sudden departure. The pianist, by this time, is hopelessly in love with her and so journeys to Lisbon to find her. Once there, he ends up over his head and in mortal danger. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Jazz great John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie trumpets with his quintet in this four-song set, which is a black-and-white episode of Jazz Casual, music critic Ralph J. Gleason's renowned series for National Educational Television. Aired January 17, 1961, this program features Gillespie's work during his middle period. The mix of tunes includes Benny Golson's Blues After Dark (7:08), Gillespie's Lorraine (3:42), Norm's Norm (4:26), and Tocatta From Gillespiana (4:58). Highlights are solos by Gillespie, saxophonist-flutist Leo Wright, and pianist Lalo Schifrin, who later composed the distinctive theme to the television series Mission: Impossible. Chuck Lampkin plays drums, and Bob Cunningham handles the bass. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide

Jump, jive, and bebop to some of the biggest hits of 1940s and 50s with this collection of musical shorts featuring such timeless talents as Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Fats Waller. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The extraordinary life of Quincy Jones -- one of the 20th century's most influential and talented composers, musicians and music producers -- provides the basis of this offbeat, free-form documentary tribute. With little regard for formal timelines and traditional documentary biography methods, the film is an amazing patchwork of personal insights featuring a constellation of music stars including his long-time friend Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie and rappers Big Daddy Kane and Flavor Flav, as well as politicians, filmmakers and other important people. Some of the most moving scenes involve Jones returning to his childhood home in Chicago and recounting honest and painful memories from his childhood. Jones does not shy from discussing everything -- from his mother's mental illness, to his marital problems, to his serious health conditions. He also looks frankly at his career. ~ Sandra Brennan, 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