From Savage Content/Miami, Kent Savage, Executive Producer; New Media Productions/Boston, Steve Robinson, producer; and Willard Jenkins, Writer, Jazz Historian, and NEA Jazz Master
An in-depth series exploring Holiday’s musical genius and legacy.
Hosted by legendary jazz broadcaster Rhonda Hamilton.
Presented in 13 hour-long episodes, No Regrets examines the musician’s early life, her move to Harlem, and first recordings with Benny Goodman, her rise to stardom, the evolution of her singing style, how her haunting rendition of “Strange Fruit” played a vital role in the birth of the Civil Rights movement, the many challenges she faced throughout her life and final years culminating with the beautiful and poignant recording “Lady in Satin.”
The focus throughout is Holiday’s singular musical artistry, her independent spirit, how her unique approach to her music became one of the strongest influences in the evolution of Jazz, and how she continues to influence performers today.
The series includes interviews with musicians and scholars including: Karrin Allyson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Angela Davis, Lara Downes, Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin, Corky Hale, Alan Harris, Rene Marie, Professor Robert O’Meally, Dan Morgenstern, Fred Plotkin, Adam Clayton Powell III, Beth Roars, Dianne Reeves, Phil Schaap, Andromeda Turre and Casandra Wilson. The program also includes archived interviews collected by Linda Kuehl including Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, Silvia Syms, Jo Jones, Milt Gabler, John Hammond, Billie Taylor, Mal Waldron, Bobby Tucker and others.