Watch Alberta Hunter: My Castle's Rockin'

Alberta Hunter: My Castle's Rockin' is a documentary film that tells the inspiring story of the famous jazz singer, Alberta Hunter. The film, which was released in 1988, was directed by Stuart A. Goldman and produced by Nnenna H. Ogwo. The documentary showcases the life and career of Alberta Hunter, a legendary blues singer who rose to fame during the 1920s and 1930s. Hunter is known for her powerful and soulful voice that captured the hearts of audiences across the world.

The film begins with a glimpse into Hunter's childhood where her love and passion for music was first discovered. It then follows her rise to fame in the 1920s, where she performed in some of the most well-known jazz clubs in Chicago and New York. The documentary features many clips of Alberta performing live in front of enthusiastic crowds, as well as interviews with some of her biggest fans and musical collaborators.

One of the most poignant moments in the film highlights the period of Hunter's life when she chose to leave the music industry to become a nurse. She became a dedicated nurse who helped many patients during the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s in New York City. Later in the documentary, Hunter passes away from a stroke at the age of 82.

Throughout the documentary, we learn about the many struggles that Alberta Hunter faced as a black woman in a male-dominated industry. She had to overcome racial discrimination, sexism, and homophobia, as well as the challenges of aging as a musician. Despite all of these obstacles, Hunter's determination and love for music kept her going, and she continued to perform until the very end of her life.

The documentary also features interviews with some of Hunter's closest friends, family members, and musical collaborators, including Barney Josephson and John Hammond. These interviews provide valuable insights into the person behind the music and give us a deeper understanding of what drove Alberta Hunter to pursue her dream of becoming a musician.

One of the most striking things about Alberta Hunter: My Castle's Rockin' is the incredible charisma and energy that Alberta Hunter exudes. Even in her later years, she was a force to be reckoned with on stage, and her performances never failed to captivate audiences. The film captures the essence of her timeless music and the joy that she brought to people's lives.

Overall, Alberta Hunter: My Castle's Rockin' is an inspiring and heartwarming documentary that will appeal to music lovers and fans of American history alike. It tells the fascinating story of a true icon in the music industry, and serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, passion, and love.

Alberta Hunter: My Castle's Rockin' is a 1992 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.