Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas
Synopsis
The documentary tracks the diva's difficult progress as she emerges from the tough, testosterone-fuelled world of the big bands of the 30s and 40s, to fill nightclubs and saloons across the US in the 50s and early 60s as a force in her own right. Looking at the lives and careers of six individual singers (Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Annie Ross), the film not only talks to those who knew and worked with these queens of jazz, but also to contemporary singers who sit on the shoulders of these trailblazing talents without having to endure the pain and hardship it took for them to make their highly individual voices heard above the prejudice of mid-century America.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Chris Rodley
- Original Title
- Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 59m
- Production Studios
- BBC Four
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Chris Rodley
Sheryl Sandler
Chris Rodley, Mark Cooper
Department Leadership Roster
Chris Rodley
Producer
Chris Rodley
Director
Sheryl Sandler
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Universal — Suitable for all audiences.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas about?
The documentary tracks the diva's difficult progress as she emerges from the tough, testosterone-fuelled world of the big bands of the 30s and 40s, to fill nightclubs and saloons across the US in the 50s and early 60s as a force in her own right. Looking at the lives and careers of six individual singers (Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Annie Ross), the film not only talks to those who knew and worked with these queens of jazz, but also to contemporary singers who sit on the shoulders of these trailblazing talents without having to endure the pain and hardship it took for them to make their highly individual voices heard above the prejudice of mid-century America.
Who directed Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas?
Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas was directed by Chris Rodley.
Who stars in Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas?
The principal cast of Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas includes Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Annie Ross.
When was Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas released and how long is it?
Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas was released in 2013 with a total runtime of 59m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas?
Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas holds official age classifications: GB: U (Universal — Suitable for all audiences.).