
Plot — What is The Cry of Jazz about?
Filmed in Chicago & finished in 1959, The Cry of Jazz is filmmaker, composer and arranger Edward O. Bland's polemical essay on the politics of music and race - a forecast of what he called "the death of jazz." A landmark moment in black film, foreseeing the civil unrest of subsequent decades, it also features the only known footage of visionary pianist Sun Ra from his beloved Chicago period. Featured are ample images of tenor saxophonist John Gilmore and the rest of Ra's Arkestra in Windy City nightclubs, all shot in glorious black & white.
Top Cast & Director
Streaming Availability
You can currently stream The Cry of Jazz on:
Quick Facts
| Type | Movie |
| Released | 1959 |
| Genre | Documentary, Music |
| Language | English |
| Runtime | 34 min |
| Audience Score | 62% (6.2/10, 15 votes) |
The Cry of Jazz — FAQ
Is The Cry of Jazz worth watching? The Cry of Jazz holds a 6.2/10 rating from 15 viewers. Filmed in Chicago & finished in 1959, The Cry of Jazz is filmmaker, composer and arranger Edward O. Bland's polemical essay on the politics of music and race - a forecast of what he called "the death of jazz." A land
Who directed The Cry of Jazz? Directed by Edward Bland.
Who is in the cast of The Cry of Jazz? It stars George Waller, Dorothea Horton, Melinda Dillon, Andrew Duncan, Leroy Inman, James Miller and more.
Where can I stream The Cry of Jazz? You can stream The Cry of Jazz on Criterion Channel. Availability may vary by region.
When did The Cry of Jazz release? It released in 1959.





