Watch Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer

Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer is a captivating documentary that recounts the life and career of one of the most iconic jazz vocalists of the 20th century. The 2007 film showcases the ups and downs of Anita O'Day's life in the music industry, from her early days as a hotel singer to her meteoric rise to fame as a jazz sensation.

With a range that could span three octaves and an unmistakable style that blended swing, bebop, and scat singing, O'Day was a unique performer who captivated audiences with her incredible talent and mesmerizing stage presence. Throughout the film, we learn more about her love of music and her struggles with addiction, personal relationships, and the pressures of fame.

One of the key strengths of this documentary is the wealth of archival footage and interviews with O'Day herself, as well as with fellow musicians like Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bregman, and George Wein. Together, these voices provide a richly detailed portrait of the jazz scene during the late 1940s and 1950s, a time when O'Day was at the height of her powers and popularity.

The film also delves into O'Day's feminist legacy, as a woman who refused to be boxed into a particular style or genre, and who insisted on being judged solely by her talent as a musician. In one powerful scene, O'Day discusses her refusal to wear a dress when performing, feeling that the expectation of feminine presentation detracted from her artistry.

Through it all, however, O'Day's love of music shines through. Whether she is discussing her collaboration with Gene Krupa, her involvement in the Newport Jazz Festival, or her subsequent struggles with heroin addiction, her passion for music is palpable. And it is this passion that makes her such an enduring and beloved figure in the history of jazz.

Overall, Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer is a fascinating and insightful documentary that celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most unforgettable jazz performers of all time. Whether you are a die-hard fan or new to O'Day's music, this film is sure to inspire and entertain.

Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 76.