The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America
Synopsis
Born poor in Baltimore, Chick Webb broke his back as a boy and faced life as a hunchback dwarf afflicted with Spinal Tuberculosis. Someone suggested drumming as physical therapy, and Webb found his calling: at only 16 he built the hottest jazz orchestra in America at Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom, one of the rare places where Blacks and Whites could socialize together. The artists discovered and mentored by Webb are extraordinary, but perhaps no star shines brighter than that of Ella Fitzgerald. Features interviews with those who knew or played with Webb and period footage.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
THE SAVOY KING - trailer (2017)
Type: Trailer • Published 2017-07-28
Top Cast
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Rocky Carroll
Narrator (voice)
Billy Crystal
Mezzy Mezzrow (voice)
Tyne Daly
Helen Oakley Dance (voice)
Keith David
Charles Buchanan (voice)
Duke Ellington
Self (archive footage)
Ella Fitzgerald
Self (archive footage)
Andy Garcia
Mario Bauzá (voice)
Dizzy Gillespie
Self (archive footage)
Danny Glover
Count Basie (voice)
Jeff Goldblum
Artie Shaw (voice)
Corey Hawkins
Chick Webb (voice)
Ron Perlman
Gene Krupa (voice)
Janet Jackson
Ella Fitzgerald (voice)
John Legend
Duke Ellington (voice)
Billy Porter
Dizzy Gillespie (voice)
Release History & Theatrical Window
New York Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
September 6, 2017
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jeff Kaufman
- Original Title
- The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Production Studios
- Floating World Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jeff Kaufman
Department Leadership Roster
Jeff Kaufman
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America about?
Born poor in Baltimore, Chick Webb broke his back as a boy and faced life as a hunchback dwarf afflicted with Spinal Tuberculosis. Someone suggested drumming as physical therapy, and Webb found his calling: at only 16 he built the hottest jazz orchestra in America at Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom, one of the rare places where Blacks and Whites could socialize together. The artists discovered and mentored by Webb are extraordinary, but perhaps no star shines brighter than that of Ella Fitzgerald. Features interviews with those who knew or played with Webb and period footage.
Who directed The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America?
The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America was directed by Jeff Kaufman.
Who stars in The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America?
The principal cast of The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America includes Rocky Carroll, Billy Crystal, Tyne Daly, Keith David, Duke Ellington.
When was The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America released and how long is it?
The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America was released in 2012 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.