Description:
Anita O'Day was one of the greatest of American Jazz singers and this critically acclaimed award-winning documentary tells her astonishing story-a journey of surivival and, above all, the endurance of her talent, told in anumber of frank interviews with her and with those who knew her. Her career was long and eventful, spanning seven decades; her last album recorded when she was 84.
Anita O'Day only ever wanted to be a singer and the film showcases performances that date back to the 40's with such artists as Gene Krupa, Roy Eldridge, Stan Kenton, Louis Armstrong and Hoagy Carmichael. She is shown teaching Billy Taylor how to be a jazz vocalist. Bert Stern comments on Anita performing "Sweet Georgia Brown" for his fim Jazz on a Summer's Daywhile George Wein, legendary impresario, states it was the greatest rendition of the song ever made.
She speaks candidly, always candidly, with Dick Cavett, Bryant Gumble and David Frost, and in interviews on 60 minutes and CBS THis Morning. Anita was a woman who lived her life the way she wanted without ever looking back and was a musical genius and pioneer who broke race barriers. She talks openly about how she had to overcome great adversities, including a 20-year addiction to heroin and alcohol. The film shows Anita on tour in Europe well into her eighties and amking her final recording, shortly before her death, the death of an icon.
Special Features:
- Uninterrupted performances and outake interviews