Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band
She fought to create in a world that could not see past her race or gender
8
2 votes
April 1, 2015
1h 10m
Overview
Jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams was a genius ahead of her time. From child prodigy to "Boogie-Woogie Queen" to groundbreaking composer to mentoring some of the greatest musicians of all time, she never ceased to astound those who heard her play. But for a Black woman in the early 1900s, life as a star did not come easy.
Directed by
Where to watch
In United States
Free
Cast
Mary Lou Williams
Self (archive footage)
Alfre Woodard
Mary Lou Williams (voice)
Delroy Lindo
John Williams (voice)
Wendell Pierce
Andy Kirk (voice)
Stanley Crouch
Self
Robin D.G. Kelley
SelfGary Giddins
SelfTammy L. Kernodle
SelfFarah Griffin
SelfGayle Murchison
SelfAlexandra Noailles
SelfPeter O'Brien
SelfRobert O'Meally
SelfBilly Taylor
SelfGeri Allen
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