Jazz and decolonization are intertwined in a powerful narrative that recounts one of the tensest episodes of the Cold War. In 1960, the UN became the stage for a political earthquake as the struggle for independence in the Congo put the world on high alert. The newly independent nation faced its first coup d'état, orchestrated by Western forces and Belgium, which were reluctant to relinquish control over their resource-rich former colony. The US tried to divert attention by sending jazz ambassador Louis Armstrong to the African continent. In 1961, Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba was brutally assassinated, silencing a key voice in the fight against colonialism; his death was facilitated by Belgian and CIA operatives. Musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach took action, denouncing imperialism and structural racism. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev intensified his criticism of the US, highlighting the racial barriers that characterized American society.

Jivin' in Be-Bop: A swinging variety show with Dizzy Gillespie and his all stars. Beware: A fundraising concert is planned to save a small southern college.

A filmed variety show featuring the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra with special guests.

Jim is the drummer for the great black musician Billy Swann. With him, he plays in a club called San Sebastián, owned by his friend Floro, every summer.

A look into how the United States State Department used jazz music and musicians as cultural ambassadors during the Cold War, highlighting the impact of racism and segregation on these musicians.

This documentary explores the life and work of Michel Legrand, a renowned French composer and pianist who has made a significant impact on the world of film music. From his early beginnings in France to his success in Hollywood, the film delves into Legrand's journey and his contributions to the world of music.

The picture brings interviews with the participants of the 1st São Paulo Jazz Festival that occurred in Anhembi Conventions Palace in September 1978 and reunited musicians, composers and singers from all around the world.

In this short animated film, a construction worker engages in a heated argument with his coworker about the dangers of nuclear war and the importance of disarmament. The film explores the potential consequences of such a conflict and emphasizes the need for global cooperation.

Anthology of six short films, including: Dizzy Gillespie Chicken Real Cigarette Blues God Respects Us When We Work, But Loves Us When We Dance Running Around Like A Chicken With Its Head Cut Off The Sun’s Gonna Shine

Earth is visited by a race of aliens, who issue an ultimatum: either peace or complete destruction.

This is Les Blank’s earliest music film, focusing on the renown trumpet player, Dizzy Gillespie, who along with Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, Sonny Rollins and others sparked the change from traditional Jazz to “Bebop” in mid-1940s America. The film includes rare images of Gillespie playing on his famous bent horn and talking about his beginnings, as well as his theories about music.

Art Kane, now deceased, coordinated a group photograph of all the top jazz musicians in NYC in the year 1958, for a piece in Esquire magazine. Just about every jazz musician at the time showed up for the photo shoot which took place in front of a brownstone near the 125th street station. The documentary compiles interviews of many of the musicians in the photograph to talk about the day of the photograph, and it shows film footage taken that day by Milt Hinton and his wife.

Willie Ruff, musician, composer, educator, filmmaker, and Yale School of Music alumnus was on the faculty of the Yale School of Music from 1971 until his retirement in 2017. He directed and produced this short film which follows Dizzy Gillespie and Ruff’s musical partner Dwike Mitchell on a tour of key locations in the history of bebop in New York City. Gillespie led the filmmakers to Minton’s Playhouse, Carnegie Hall, the former site of the Savoy Ballroom, and made an unannounced stop at Miles’ Davis home. (Yale Film Archive)

Originally broadcast on CBS April 11, 1976, under the title THE ORIGINAL ROMPIN' STOMPIN' HOT AND HEAVY, COOL AND GROOVE ALL-STAR JAZZ SHOW, this concert ran as part of the "Lively Arts for Young People" series. As staged at the Ed Sullivan Theater and directed by Gary Keys, it features performances by a who's-who of jazz legends who were still active at the time, including Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz. In the process, Keys also uses such elements as narration by host Dionne Warwick, and dance performances, to follow the evolution of jazz from classic American spirituals through the styles that became en vogue in the 1970s.

Mother Earth and Father Time converse about the choices humans make. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2010.

In the documentary film, 'A Night In Havana: Dizzy Gillespie In Cuba,' jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie takes us on a musical journey to Cuba, where he discovers the rich and vibrant jazz scene. Through captivating performances and insightful interviews, Gillespie showcases the talent and energy of Cuban musicians, highlighting the cultural exchange that takes place through music.

Didn't We Ramble On is a documentary about the tradition of marching bands in African-American culture. It focuses particularly on the historical roots of marching bands in West African culture and features narration by Dizzy Gillespie.

The Last Of The Blue Devils - The Kansas City Jazz Story (1979) is a captivating documentary that delves into the vibrant jazz scene of Kansas City, showcasing the influential musicians and their contributions to the genre. The film takes us on a journey through the city's fascinating music history, exploring the unique sound and style that emerged in this cultural hub. From the legendary jam sessions at the Blue Room to the iconic jazz clubs, this documentary offers an intimate and immersive experience for all music enthusiasts.

A Hubley stand-in instructs iconic trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie on scoring a short commercial for an instant rope ladder.