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

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.

Top Cast

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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

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Gary Giddins

Self

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Tammy L. Kernodle

Self

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Farah Griffin

Self

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Gayle Murchison

Self