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Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (2007)

Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (2007)

Documentary

She survived it all to become one of the world's great jazz singers

Release Date: 2007, April 30
Directors: Ian McCrudden, Robbie Cavolina
Cast: John Cameron Mitchell, Annie Ross, Will Friedwald, Margaret Whiting, Anita O'Day, George Wein, Leonard Feather

Overview:

This documentary explores the life of jazz singer Anita O'Day. As a child, Anita had a tonsillectomy, during which her uvula was accidentally removed. The surgery prevents her from singing vibrato and holding long notes, but lends to her much-revered percussive style. Anita overcomes her vocal hurdle, as well as many others -- including poverty, heroin addiction and jail time for a drug arrest -- to become one of the most prolific and respected jazz vocalists of the 20th century. Initial release: 30 April 2007