Documentary

 

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"Cab Calloway, le dandy de Harlem"

aka

"Cab Calloway: Sketches"

 

Cowritten by Gail LEVIN and Jean-François PITET

Directed by Gail LEVIN

 

GailandJeffinNYC1stmeeting copie.jpgFrom PBS: “Hi de hi de hi de ho!” Charismatic music and dance pioneer Cab Calloway (12-25-1907 – 11-18-94) is an exceptional figure in the history of jazz. As a singer, dancer and bandleader, he charmed audiences around the world with his boundless energy, bravado and elegant showmanship. Calloway was also an ambassador for his race, leading one of the most popular African American big bands during the Harlem Renaissance and jazz and swing eras of the 1930s-40s.

A singer, dancer and bandleader, Cab led one of the most popular African American big bands during the jazz and swing eras of the 1930s-40s, with Harlem’s famous Cotton Club as his home stage. Best known for his “Hi de hi de hi de ho” refrain from signature song “Minnie the Moocher,” portrayal of Sportin’ Life in Porgy and Bess (1952), and role in The Blues Brothers (1980), Cab influenced countless performers, including Michael and Janet Jackson, and many of today’s hip-hop artists.

Read Gail LEVIN's statement about the film.

Gail LEVIN passed away on July 31, 2013. I miss her.

 

Watch the full documentary on PBS's website by clicking on the picture below

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***

Internauts outside of USA will have to satisfy with this short clip. Sorry.

 


Aired

France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, USA nationwide

 

Festivals and awards

Montreal FIFA, Canada

Festival Radio-France de Montpellier, France

Reel music Festival 29, Portland, Oregon, USA

 

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Jean-François PITET is Laureat of the award: Etoiles de la Scam 2011

 


Critical acclaim

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