Stanley Crouch

Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band

Carol Bash

Mary Lou Williams, Alfre Woodard

Jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams was a genius ahead of her time. From child prodigy to "Boogie-Woogie Queen" to groundbreaking composer to mentoring some of the greatest musicians of all time, she never ceased to astound those who heard her play. But for a Black woman in the early 1900s, life as a star did not come easy.

What Happened, Miss Simone?

Liz Garbus

Nina Simone, Lisa Simone

The film chronicles Nina Simone's journey from child piano prodigy to iconic musician and passionate activist, told in her own words.

Sonny Rollins: Beyond the Notes

Dick Fontaine

Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman

Sonny Rollins: Beyond the Notes uses his 80th birthday concert to look into the man and his music.

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

Robert Townsend

Franklyn Ajaye, Angela Bassett

Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.

The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong

John Akomfrah

Louis Armstrong, Danny Glover

Louis Armstrong is one of the most recognizable figures in jazz, with his incomparable trumpet playing and beaming smile. This video profiles Armstrong from his humble beginnings in New Orleans through his career as America's Ambassador of Good Will. Film clips, vintage photographs and interviews with family, friends, fellow musicians and Armstrong himself are woven together to tell the story of this legendary personality.

Ali-Frazier I: One Nation... Divisible

Liev Schreiber, Muhammad Ali

In sports history, there are moments that define the essence of competition. In boxing, it is a 1971 fight known as Ali-Frazier I. This documentary chronicles the events that led to what many call 'The Fight of the Century,' in which undefeated heavyweight champion Smokin' Joe Frazier went to war in Madison Square Garden against undefeated deposed champion Muhammad Ali.