Product Review

Including never-released bonus performance footage! Originally premiering on PBS for Black History Month, this award-winning performance documentary explores the amazing career and music of a Blues Pioneer, singer Alberta Hunter. Featuring a live concert at the legendary Cookery in Greenwich Village, plus rare vintage footage, photos and interviews, MY CASTLE'S ROCKIN' captures Hunter's amazing spirit, exceptional talent and timeless vocals. Narrated by renowned pianist and historian Billy Taylor, the documentary includes insightful interviews with producer John Hammond, jazz impresario and nightclub owner Barney Josephson, and writer Chris Albertson.

The soundtrack features 10 songs by Alberta Hunter along with the music of her contemporaries such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, King Oliver, Paul Robeson and Fats Waller, among others.

MY CASTLE'S ROCKIN' is Alberta Hunter's life story, from her show business beginnings as a teenage singer in Chicago to an extraordinary comeback in her 80's. The film preserves the iconic legacy of an American original of the 20th Century. MY CASTLE'S ROCKIN' includes Ms. Hunter's last filmed interview which offers touching anecdotes and recollections of a by-gone era!

Alberta Hunter's music performances include:

1. My Castle's Rockin'
2. Two-Fisted Double-Jointed Rough and Ready Man
3. Darktown Strutters Ball
4. Downhearted Blues
5. I've Got a Mind to Ramble
6. Black Shadows
7. I'm Havin' a Good Time
8. Handy Man
9. You're Welcome to Come Home
10. The Love I Have For You


DVD BONUS FEATURES:

-Never-released promotional film with additional song performances and interviews

-Never-released audio interviews reflecting more of Alberta Hunter's humor, philosophy and life perspective; John Hammond's description of Alberta's place in blues history; Barney Josephson's extended description of how he brought Alberta back to performing at age 82.

National Reviews:

"The storied career of a Blues Pioneer...a vibrant documentary!" Washington Post

"An exhilarating, moving portrait of an extraordinary woman!" Los Angeles Times

"Captivating!" TV Guide


Winner: American Film Festival and Spirit of America Awards

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