Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer(2007)
She survived it all to become one of the world's great jazz singers
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer Synopsis
This documentary explores the life of jazz singer Anita O'Day. As a child, Anita had a tonsillectomy, during which her uvula was accidentally removed. The surgery prevents her from singing vibrato and holding long notes, but lends to her much-revered percussive style. Anita overcomes her vocal hurdle, as well as many others -- including poverty, heroin addiction and jail time for a drug arrest -- to become one of the most prolific and respected jazz vocalists of the 20th century. Initial release: 30 April 2007
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (2007) is a documentary film directed by Ian McCrudden, released on April 30, 2007 with a runtime of 1h 30m. It stars Anita O'Day, Buddy Bregman, Leonard Feather and Will Friedwald. Viewers rate it 7.7 out of 10 across 3 ratings.
- Director:
- Ian McCrudden
- Budget:
- $200,000
- Status:
- Released
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer Cast & Crew
Main cast
Anita O'Day
as Herself
Buddy Bregman
as Himself
- Leonard Feather
Leonard Feather
as Himself
- Will Friedwald
Will Friedwald
as Himself
Johnny Mandel
as Himself
John Cameron Mitchell
as Himself
Annie Ross
as Herself
- George Wein
George Wein
as Himself
- Margaret Whiting
Margaret Whiting
as Herself
- Gerald Wilson
Gerald Wilson
as Himself
Key crew
Directed by Ian McCrudden.
Explore more Documentary titles
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer Reviews & Ratings
Average viewer score of 7.7/10 from 3 ratings.
You may also like
My Mom Jayne
2025
Come See Me in the Good Light
2025
21 Up
1977
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me
2022
John Candy: I Like Me
2025
35 Up
1991
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)
2026
Katy Perry: Part of Me
2012
28 Up
1984
The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story
2019
Seven Up!
1964
Sidney
2022
Western Stars
2019
McQueen
2018
Being James Bond
2021
Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God
2012
A Toxic Love Story
2026
Miss Americana
2020
It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley
2025
OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)
2022
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer – Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer online?
+
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (2007) is available to stream on Qello Concerts by Stingray Amazon Channel, and to rent or buy from Apple TV Store. Streaming availability is checked against JustWatch data and can change by region.
Who stars in Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer?
+
The main cast of Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (2007) includes Anita O'Day, Buddy Bregman, Leonard Feather, Will Friedwald and Johnny Mandel. The film was directed by Ian McCrudden. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
When was Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer released?
+
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer was released on April 30, 2007 and runs for 1h 30m.
Is Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer worth watching?
+
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (2007) holds an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from 3 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy documentary films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.