Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer

Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer is an evocative and comprehensive 2007 documentary film. This documentary brings the audience into the life and times of one of jazz's most respected and iconic figures, Anita O'Day. Directed by Robbie Cavolina and Ian McCrudden, the movie captures captivating interviews, stirring archival performance footage, and a whole host of supplementary materials to provide an in-depth look at this incredibly talented and magnetic singer.

The film finds its strength in the record of O'Day's life and career, described by many as the ultimate jazz singer, who made significant contributions to the music world despite many personal adversities. She could swing with the best of them, could skillfully improvise and infuse a song with exhilarating energy, and all the while, could make emotional connections and story-tell through her songs with elegance.

Anita's voice, style, and entire persona made her unique as she refused to confine herself to the social norms and expectations of singers of her era. Her refusal to wear gowns or alter her singing voice to be more 'girlish' were only a few ways she broke the norms and set a distinct image for herself.

In the documentary, Anita O'Day is not just presented as a jazz singer but is revealed as an authentic woman who lived life fiercely, breaking boundaries and creating her own path. She is remembered as a singer who could 'belt the blues' and 'scat' with the best jazz voices and as an individual whose resilience in the face of personal and professional tragedies was awe-inspiring.

The film unveils a rich meandering journey of O’Day’s life and career, from her humble beginnings in Chicago's walkathon and marathon dances to her eventual rise as one of the iconic voices of the Big Band era. The film gives a glimpse of the ups and downs in the long and eventful professional journey of Anita O'Day, as well as a startling perspective on the woman behind the music.

The film weaves together riveting interviews with O'Day herself, shedding light on her profound thoughts and experiences. The movie becomes even more insightful with interviews from music stalwarts like Buddy Bregman and commentary from Louis Armstrong, providing valuable perspectives on O'Day's music, her life, influences, and impact on the world of jazz.

Additional depth is added through the use of gritty archival footage, concert footages, and past interviews that take the audience back, giving a glimpse of the era and world in which O’Day evolved as an artist. Her iconic performances at the Newport Jazz Festival are featured, serving as a pinnacle of her career and capturing her mesmerizing stage presence.

Offstage, the film delves into the darker aspects of O'Day's personal life, uncovering elements many are oblivious of. Her battle with drug addiction and various run-ins with the law are all splayed out as a sharp contrast to her stellar career. However, the focus doesn’t forget the resilience with which she overcame these hurdles, getting back on to the stage and into the hearts of jazz enthusiasts around the world.

Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer is not just a documentary about a jazz singer; it's the story of a true artist with boundless talent, a controversial figure, and a resilient woman who continued to sing and swing until her passing in 2006, leaving an indelible mark on jazz music. Her singular voice, passion, and spirit are all brilliantly captured in this definitive documentary.

This film combusts with incredible music and is an engrossing journey that takes you into the life and times of Anita O'Day. By the end of it, whether you're a fan of jazz or not, you will undeniably find yourself engrossed in the story of this exceptional woman, appreciating her contributions to music and culture. Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer is a testament to the power of music, the human spirit, and the singular talent of an unforgettable woman.