"O'Day is the epitome of cool. A heartfelt documentary." - The New Yorker
"Fast-paced, enthralling." - The New York Times
"Invaluable" - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Anita O'Day was one of the greatest of American Jazz Singers and this critically acclaimed award-winning documentary tell her astonishing story - a journey of survival and, above all, the endurance of her talent, told in a number of frank interviews with her and those who knew her. Her career was long and eventful, spanning seven decades; her last album recorded when she was 84.
Anita O'Day only ever wanted to be as singer, and this film showcases performances that date back to the 40s with such artists as Gene Krupa, Roy Eldridge, Stan Kenton, Louis Armstrong and Hoagy Carmichael.
O'Day speaks candidly, always candidly, with Dick Cavett, Bryant Gumbel and David Frost, in interviews on "60 Minutes" and "CBS This Morning." Anita was a woman who lived her life the way she wanted without ever looking back. A musical genius and pioneer who broke race barriers. She talks openly about how she had to overcome great adversities, including a 20-year addiction to heroin and alcohol. The film shows Anita on tour in Europe well into her 80s and making her final recording, shortly before her death, the death of an icon. (91 minutes, 2009)
Special DVD Features include: A 32-page full-color booklet; essays by acclaimed writers James Gavin and Will Friedwald; a chapter from Anita's sizzling autobiography "High Times, Hard Times," selected reproductions from Anita's scrapbooks from 1940-1969. And 90 minutes of bonus music (uninterrupted), as well as interview outtakes from the doc.
This product was added to our catalog on Monday 07 June, 2010.
