(The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America)

Content: Born poor in Baltimore, Chick Webb broke his back as a boy and faced life as a hunchback dwarf afflicted with Spinal Tuberculosis. Someone suggested drumming as physical therapy, and Webb found his calling: at only 16 he built the hottest jazz orchestra in America at Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom, one of the rare places where Blacks and Whites could socialize together. The artists discovered and mentored by Webb are extraordinary, but perhaps no star shines brighter than that of Ella Fitzgerald. Features interviews with those who knew or played with Webb and period footage.

Countries:

United States of America

Genres:

Documentary,

Music

Runtime:

92 minutes

Year:

2012

Directors:

Jeff Kaufman

Production companies:

Floating World Pictures

Actors:

Narrator (voice)

Mezzy Mezzrow (voice)

Helen Oakley Dance (voice)

Charles Buchanan (voice)

Self (archive footage)

Crews:

Director