Overview

This in-depth examination of the life and career of clarinetist and bandleader Artie Shaw cuts between archival footage, location shots, and an interview with Shaw himself. Berman illustrates the tumultuous, complicated, and remarkable legacy of a man who brought numerous innovations to jazz and swing music during the big-band era.

Genres

Cast

Artie Shaw

Self

Helen Forrest

Self

Billie Holiday

Self (archive footage)

Evelyn Keyes

Self

Mel Tormé

Self

Brigitte Berman

Narrator (voice) (uncredited)