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
8.0
2015
1h 10m
Documentary
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.
Director
Carol Bash
Top 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
Self
👤
Gary Giddins
Self
👤
Tammy L. Kernodle
Self
👤
Farah Griffin
Self
👤
Gayle Murchison
Self
