WE KNEW WHAT WE HAD: THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD
This was too interesting not to pass along. I originally received a link from Marc Myers, @jazzwax , in his daily newsletter.
I’d read about George Benson’s youth and development around the clubs in Pittsburgh from his autobiography, “Benson”. It’s a fascinating read, but without context, doesn’t reflect how remarkable the times were, the Hill District was, and serve as a useful reminder, that when we are done with Covid-19, people need people for all sorts of reasons.
PITTSBURGH’S JAZZ COMMUNITY GETS ITS DUE
WITH NEW DOCUMENTARY
“We Knew What We Had: The Greatest Jazz Story Never Told” Premiering on WQED-TV February 15, 2018
(Pittsburgh, PA, December 19, 2017)—Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) announced today that its MCG Jazz program has produced “We Knew What We Had: The Greatest Jazz Story Never Told,” a 60-minute documentary film about Pittsburgh’s jazz music history premieres Thursday, February 15 at 8 pm on WQED-TV. The documentary will rebroadcast on Sunday, February 18 at 7pm.
We Knew What We Had: The Greatest Jazz Story Never Told documentary film features the talents of international Jazz Masters George Benson, Ahmad Jamal, Stanley Turrentine, Billy Eckstine, Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey, Billy Strayhorn and Mary Lou Williams – all Pittsburghers – and explores the social conditions and historical events that conspired to make Pittsburgh one of the leading contributors to the legacy of Jazz music in the world. The one-hour film is packed with interesting interviews, historical photographs and over 20 live performance clips of the Jazz Masters.
Produced by Marty Ashby
Written & Directed by Jeff Sewald
Cinematography by Paul G. Sanderson III
More Information
The Hill District Pittsburgh [via wikipedia]
Other KQED/PBS Jazz videos [via KQED website]
Benson Autobiography [via thriftbooks]
Marc Myers Jazzwax [via jazzwax.com]