Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas(2013)
Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas Synopsis
The documentary tracks the diva's difficult progress as she emerges from the tough, testosterone-fuelled world of the big bands of the 30s and 40s, to fill nightclubs and saloons across the US in the 50s and early 60s as a force in her own right. Looking at the lives and careers of six individual singers (Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Annie Ross), the film not only talks to those who knew and worked with these queens of jazz, but also to contemporary singers who sit on the shoulders of these trailblazing talents without having to endure the pain and hardship it took for them to make their highly individual voices heard above the prejudice of mid-century America.
Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas (2013) is a documentary and music film directed by Chris Rodley, released on May 10, 2013 with a runtime of 59m. It stars Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald.
- Director:
- Chris Rodley
- Producers:
- Chris Rodley
- Production:
- BBC Four
- Status:
- Released
Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas Cast & Crew
Main cast
Peggy Lee
as Self (archive footage)
Sarah Vaughan
as Self (archive footage)
Nina Simone
as Self (archive footage)
Ella Fitzgerald
as Self (archive footage)
Annie Ross
as Self
Melody Gardot
as Self
- Madeleine Peyroux
Madeleine Peyroux
as Self
Billie Holiday
as Self (archive footage)
Key crew
Directed by Chris Rodley, produced by Chris Rodley.
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Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas – Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas online?
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Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas (2013) does not have a confirmed streaming, rental or digital purchase option listed for your region yet. Availability is refreshed regularly, so check back for updates.
Who stars in Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas?
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The main cast of Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas (2013) includes Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Annie Ross. The film was directed by Chris Rodley. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
When was Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas released?
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Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas was released on May 10, 2013 and runs for 59m.