Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band 2015
"She fought to create in a world that could not see past her race or gender"
Dive into the vibrant world of jazz with *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band* (2015), a compelling documentary directed by Carol Bash.
Director: Carol Bash
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band* (2015) about?
This documentary traces the life of Mary Lou Williams, a jazz virtuoso who overcame racial and gender barriers to become one of the 20th century's most influential musicians. It explores her journey from prodigy to mentor, highlighting her groundbreaking compositions and her role in shaping modern jazz.
Who directed *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band*?
The film was directed by Carol Bash, a filmmaker known for her work in music documentaries that celebrate underrepresented artists.
Who stars in *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band*?
The documentary features insights from Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, Wendell Pierce, Stanley Crouch, and Robin D.G. Kelley, among others.
Is *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band* (2015) worth watching?
As a concise 70-minute documentary, it packs a punch with its focus on a pivotal but often overlooked figure in jazz. Fans of music history, biographical films, and stories of resilience will find it deeply rewarding and thought-provoking.
How long is *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band*?
The runtime is 70 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band (2015) — The Untold Story of Jazz's Unsung Visionary
Dive into the vibrant world of jazz with *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band* (2015), a compelling documentary directed by Carol Bash. This 70-minute film shines a spotlight on the extraordinary life of Mary Lou Williams, a trailblazing jazz pianist whose talent defied the limitations of her era. From her beginnings as a child prodigy to her reign as the "Boogie-Woogie Queen," Williams broke barriers as both a groundbreaking composer and a mentor to legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. Against the backdrop of a world that often overlooked her brilliance due to her race and gender, she carved a path of innovation and resilience that still echoes through jazz history today.
Through archival footage, interviews with luminaries like Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo, and Williams' own voice, the film captures the spirit of a woman who composed for orchestras, mentored the next generation, and never stopped swinging. With an atmosphere as rich and dynamic as her music, *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band* is a must-watch for jazz enthusiasts and anyone inspired by stories of artistic courage.