The Beginnings of Bebop
“A Tour of New York with Dizzy Gillespie”
Synopsis
Willie Ruff, musician, composer, educator, filmmaker, and Yale School of Music alumnus was on the faculty of the Yale School of Music from 1971 until his retirement in 2017. He directed and produced this short film which follows Dizzy Gillespie and Ruff’s musical partner Dwike Mitchell on a tour of key locations in the history of bebop in New York City. Gillespie led the filmmakers to Minton’s Playhouse, Carnegie Hall, the former site of the Savoy Ballroom, and made an unannounced stop at Miles’ Davis home. (Yale Film Archive)
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
May 19, 1981
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Willie Ruff
- Original Title
- The Beginnings of Bebop
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 25m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Willie Ruff
Rita Stern
David Milch
Department Leadership Roster
Willie Ruff
Director
David Milch
Producer
Rita Stern
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Beginnings of Bebop.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Beginnings of Bebop
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Beginnings of Bebop about?
Willie Ruff, musician, composer, educator, filmmaker, and Yale School of Music alumnus was on the faculty of the Yale School of Music from 1971 until his retirement in 2017. He directed and produced this short film which follows Dizzy Gillespie and Ruff’s musical partner Dwike Mitchell on a tour of key locations in the history of bebop in New York City. Gillespie led the filmmakers to Minton’s Playhouse, Carnegie Hall, the former site of the Savoy Ballroom, and made an unannounced stop at Miles’ Davis home. (Yale Film Archive)
Who directed The Beginnings of Bebop?
The Beginnings of Bebop was directed by Willie Ruff.
Who stars in The Beginnings of Bebop?
The principal cast of The Beginnings of Bebop includes Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Dwike Mitchell.
When was The Beginnings of Bebop released and how long is it?
The Beginnings of Bebop was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 25m.