Watch A Great Day in Harlem

A Great Day in Harlem is a 1994 documentary film about an iconic photograph taken in Harlem of some of the most iconic jazz musicians of the era. The photograph was taken by Art Kane in August 1958, and it featured 57 jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Hinton, Marian McPartland, Thelonious Monk, and Sonny Rollins. The film documents the creation, significance, and legacy of the photograph, with interviews and recollections from some of the musicians who were present that day. The documentary also explores the social and cultural context of Harlem in the late 1950s, a time when jazz was at its peak, and African Americans were struggling for equality and civil rights.

The film begins with Art Kane's own story, who was a young freelance photographer at the time, and how he came up with the idea of taking the photograph. He had the vision of bringing together as many jazz musicians as possible to take a group photograph in front of a brownstone in Harlem. He pitched the idea to Esquire magazine, and they agreed to publish the photograph with a special feature on jazz in their January 1959 issue.

The film then explores the preparations for the photograph, with interviews from some of the musicians who were present that day. They talk about how they heard about the photo shoot, how they got there, and what it was like to be part of it. They also share their thoughts on the significance of the photograph and its impact on jazz and African American culture.

The film then shifts to the aftermath of the photograph, with interviews from some of the musicians who went on to achieve great success in their careers. They talk about how the photograph helped to raise awareness of jazz and African American culture, and how it inspired a new generation of musicians.

Throughout the film, we hear from Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Hinton, Marian McPartland, and other legendary jazz musicians who were part of the photograph. They share their memories, insights, and first-hand accounts of the day when the photograph was taken. They also provide a historical and cultural context for the photograph, discussing the social and political climate of the time, and how jazz was an expression of African American identity and culture.

The documentary also features rare footage and photographs of the musicians, both from the time when the photograph was taken and from later in their careers. We see them performing on stage, interacting with each other, and living their lives outside of the jazz scene.

Finally, the film ends with a tribute to the musicians who were part of the photograph but have since passed away. We are reminded of their contributions to jazz and to American culture, and how this photograph captured a moment in time when they were all together, united by their love of music and their shared history.

In conclusion, A Great Day in Harlem is an insightful and moving tribute to one of the most iconic photographs in the history of jazz. The film offers a first-hand account of the creation and legacy of the photograph, and a window into the social and cultural context of the time. It is a must-see for jazz enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history and culture of African Americans in the United States.