Bad 25
2012 3.1 ★ 130 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Spike Lee toasts the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's monumental "Bad" album with exclusive footage and an assortment of celebrity interviews, from those who worked closely with the King of Pop to those whose careers proudly bear his influence. |
|
Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp
2012 2.6 ★ 89 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Blending archival elements with recent interviews, this biographical portrait tells the remarkable tale of pimp turned author Iceberg Slim, whose gritty books based on his life became bona fide literature. |
|
Under African Skies
2012 3.7 ★ 101 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Twenty-five years after the debut of his Grammy-winning album "Graceland," Paul Simon holds a concert to celebrate his culture-bridging project with South African musicians -- a collaboration that raised concerns about the clash of politics and art. |
|
Under African Skies
2012 3.6 ★ 101 mins Documentaries Rated: NR
Twenty-five years after the debut of his Grammy-winning album "Graceland," Paul Simon holds a concert to celebrate his culture-bridging project with South African musicians -- a collaboration that raised concerns about the clash of politics and art. |
|
Michael Jackson: History: The King of Pop 1958-2009
2009 3.3 ★ TV Shows  until 01-Jan-2025 
The King of Pop's musical legacy comes alive in this collection of performance clips and conversations with the singer's friends and family. Also included are rarely seen interviews with Jackson. |
|
Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement
2009 3.0 ★ 102 mins Documentary Rated: NR
From the Civil Rights era to Watergate, the most striking moments in 20th-century American history were accompanied by music that reflected those turbulent times. Revisit the sounds of Pete Seeger and others in this musical history lesson. |
|
Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar
2009 3.4 ★ 49 mins Documentaries Rated: NR until 01-Jan-2025
In the wake of his untimely death, those who knew the King of Pop best -- including Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Quincy Jones and Diana Ross -- provide fond remembrances of the performer. Spanning Jackson's entire career -- from his Jackson 5 days to his spectacular rise as a solo artist -- this documentary uses interviews and behind-the-scenes footage to pay tribute to one of the most important figures in musical history. |
|
Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement
2009 3.0 ★ 102 mins Documentaries Rated: NR
From the Civil Rights era to Watergate, the most striking moments in 20th-century American history were accompanied by music that reflected those turbulent times. Revisit the sounds of Pete Seeger and others in this musical history lesson. |
|
Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar
2009 3.5 ★ 49 mins Documentary Rated: NR until 01-Jan-2025 
In the wake of his untimely death, those who knew the King of Pop best -- including Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Quincy Jones and |
Michael Jackson: History: The King of Pop 1958-2009
2009 3.4 ★ Documentary Rated: NR until 01-Jan-2025
The King of Pop's musical legacy comes alive in this collection of performance clips and conversations with the singer's friends and family. Also included are rarely seen interviews with Jackson. |
African American Lives 2: The Past Is Another Country
2008 TV Shows Rated: NR until 01-Jan-2025
A groundbreaking look at new discoveries in the lineage and ancestry of black history, including new discoveries in the participant's ancestors. |
|
|
African American Lives 2: We Come from People
2008 TV Shows Rated: NR until 01-Jan-2025
A look at the participant's ancestors during the early years of the United States, including tales of slavery from Morgan Freeman and others. |
|
Quincy Jones: The 75th Birthday Celebration: Live at Montreux 2008
2008 2.9 ★ 90 mins Music Rated: NR
When music legend Quincy Jones turned 75, a few of his friends decided to pay tribute. This July 2008 Montreux Jazz Festival concert is the result, and the party is on the stage as a slew of musical greats team up for a soul-stirring serenade. Highlights include Chaka Khan and Patti Austin performing "Miss Celie's Blues," Petula Clark singing "One Mint Julep" and Herbie Hancock bringing his signature flavor to "Cool Joe, Mean Joe." |
|
An Evening with Quincy Jones
2008 2.9 ★ 60 mins Music Rated: NR
For more than 50 years, Quincy Jones has forged a varied career as a recording executive, arranger, film producer, performer and composer. Here, journalist Gwen Ifill sits down with "Q" in front of an enthusiastic Washington, D.C., crowd. In this revealing interview, complemented by performances from Lesley Gore, BeBe Winans, James Ingram, Bobby McFerrin and Herbie Hancock, a portrait emerges of one of the most influential artists of our time. |
|
|
African American Lives 2: A Way Out of No Way
2008 TV Shows Rated: NR until 01-Jan-2025
Chris Rock, Don Cheadle and others share stories of their lineage, going back to the days of the Civil War to the late 1800's. |
|
|
African American Lives 2: The Road Home
2008 TV Shows Rated: NR until 01-Jan-2025
An intimate look at the participants' ancestors, including a light-skinned black man passing himself off as white and an innocent man found guilty. |
|
Quincy Jones: The 75th Birthday Celebration: Live at Montreux 2008
2008 2.9 ★ 1716 mins Music & Musicals Rated: NR
When music legend Quincy Jones turned 75, a few of his friends decided to pay tribute. This July 2008 Montreux Jazz Festival concert is the result, and the party is on the stage as a slew of musical greats team up for a soul-stirring serenade. Highlights include Chaka Khan and |
We Love Ella: A Tribute to the First Lady of Song
2007 3.0 ★ 60 mins Music Rated: NR
In this 2007 PBS "Great Performances" celebration of the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones, Dave Koz, Patti Austin, Take 6, Wynonna, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Wonder and others pay musical tribute to the First Lady of Song. Recorded at USC's Galen Center, the show marks the late singer's 90th birthday with performances of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Just in Time" and more, plus footage of the Lady herself. |
Brando: The Documentary
2007 3.2 ★ 162 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Mysterious, powerful and unpredictable, Marlon Brando was one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. This intriguing portrait presents interviews with Brando, his family and colleagues such as Al Pacino, Martin Scorsese and |
Brando: The Documentary
2007 3.2 ★ 162 mins Documentaries Rated: NR
Mysterious, powerful and unpredictable, Marlon Brando was one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. This intriguing portrait presents interviews with Brando, his family and colleagues such as Al Pacino, Martin Scorsese and Johnny Depp. Never-before-seen home movies, screen tests and other footage document Brando's rise as a two-time Academy Award winner and social activist who broke the Hollywood mold to become a cultural icon. |
We Are the Future
2006 2.6 ★ 148 mins Documentaries Rated: NR
Almost two decades after releasing the historic fundraising "We Are the World" recording, music producer Quincy Jones once again steps into the humanitarian spotlight with a celebrity-filled concert event to aid children in war-ravaged cities around the world. Held in Rome, the concert was attended by roughly a million people and featured appearances by Norah Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Carlos Santana and Angelina Jolie, among others. |
|
African American Lives
2006 4.0 ★ 240 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Join Harvard University Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr. as he leads several successful African-Americans -- including Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey<... |
|
African American Lives
2006 4.0 ★ Documentary until 01-Jan-2025
Join historian Henry Louis Gates for this fascinating exploration of the family histories of well-known African American celebrities. Famous participants include Oprah Winfrey, Tina Turner, Morgan Freeman and |
African American Lives
2006 4.0 ★ 240 mins Documentaries Rated: NR
Join Harvard University Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr. as he leads several successful African-Americans -- including Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey -- on a journey to discover their roots in this four-part documentary. While following their stories through oral histories and genealogy, Gates explores African-American history starting with the 20th century and backtracking to the Civil War and early slave-trade period. |
Ella Fitzgerald: The Legendary First Lady of Song
2006 3.0 ★ 79 mins Music Rated: NR
Nancy Wilson plays host for this tribute to inimitable songstress Ella Fitzgerald, whose jazz stylings influenced scores of vocalists. The documentary features more than 20 classic tunes penned by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and others, plus interviews with music icons Al Jarreau, Anita O'Day and Quincy Jones. Also included are excerpts from an intimate conversation with Fitzgerald recorded about a decade before her death in 1996. |
|
We Are the Future
2006 2.6 ★ 148 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Almost two decades after releasing the historic fundraising "We Are the World" recording, music producer Quincy Jones once again steps into the humanitarian spotlight with a celebrity-filled concert event to aid children in war-ravaged cities around the world. Held in Rome, the concert was attended by roughly a million people and featured appearances by |
Ella Fitzgerald: The Legendary First Lady of Song
2006 3.0 ★ 79 mins Music & Musicals Rated: NR
Nancy Wilson plays host for this tribute to inimitable songstress Ella Fitzgerald, whose jazz stylings influenced scores of vocalists. The documentary features more than 20 classic tunes penned by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and others, plus interviews with music icons Al Jarreau, |
|
African American Lives
2006 240 mins TV Shows Rated: NR
Join Harvard University Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr. as he leads several successful African-Americans -- including Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey -- on a journey to discover their roots in this four-part documentary. While following their stories through oral histories and genealogy, Gates explores African-American history starting with the 20th century and backtracking to the Civil War and early slave-trade period. |
|
|
African American Lives
2006 4.0 ★ TV Shows until 01-Jan-2025
Join historian Henry Louis Gates for this fascinating exploration of the family histories of well-known African American celebrities. Famous participants include Oprah Winfrey, Tina Turner, Morgan Freeman and Maya Angelou. |
|
Oscar Peterson: Music in the Key of Oscar
2004 3.2 ★ 106 mins Music & Musicals Rated: NR
In this award-winning autobiographical portrait, legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson narrates his story, from his beginnings in smoke-filled Montreal clubs to hallmark performances with jazz greats. Concert footage includes an unforgettable combo -- Nat King Cole with Jazz at the Philharmonic and th... |
|
Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem
2004 3.0 ★ 95 mins Music & Musicals Rated: NR
Some of the world's best jazz, R & B, hip-hop, rap, gospel and Latin musicians perform classic and modern songs in this 2004 benefit show celebrating the 70th year of Harlem's famed Apollo Theater. Performers include Natalie Cole, Ashanti, B... |
|
America Beyond the Color Line
2004 3.6 ★ 225 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Prominent literary critic and scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the status of black America at the start of the 21st century in this documentary. Gates travels to the East Coast, the Deep South, inner-city Chicago and Hollywood for a close look at the current issues facing today's black communities. He interviews everyday African Americans as well as influenti... |
|
America Beyond the Color Line
2004 3.6 ★ 225 mins TV Shows Rated: NR
Prominent literary critic and scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the status of black America at the start of the 21st century in this documentary. Gates travels to the East Coast, the Deep South, inner-city Chicago and Hollywood for a close look at the current issues facing today's black communities. He interviews everyday African Americans as well as influential leaders and celebrities including Colin Powell, Maya Angelou and Morgan Freeman. |
|
Oscar Peterson: Music in the Key of Oscar
2004 3.2 ★ 106 mins Music Rated: NR
In this award-winning autobiographical portrait, legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson narrates his story, from his beginnings in smoke-filled Montreal clubs to hallmark performances with jazz greats. Concert footage includes an unforgettable combo -- Nat King Cole with Jazz at the Philharmonic and the Oscar Peterson Trio Wall reunion. Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie are interviewed, among others. |
|
Fever: The Music of Peggy Lee
2004 3.2 ★ 90 mins Music Rated: NR
The incomparable Peggy Lee takes center stage in this documentary tribute featuring more than a dozen live performances, including renditions of "Fever," "Big Spender" and "He's a Tramp." Through heartfelt testimonials and interviews, prominent recording industry personalities such as Quincy Jones, K.D. Lang and Nancy Sinatra also weigh in on Lee's legacy and her lasting influence on popular culture. |
|
The N Word
2004 3.4 ★ 86 mins TV Shows Rated: NR
It's one of the English language's most inflammatory pejoratives and has lingered like a smoldering fire in America's collective consciousness for more than 100 years. This illuminating documentary looks at the "n" word's history and evolving usage -- which runs the gamut from a repugnant slur to a term of endearment. A slate of celebrities and other familiar figures are interviewed, including Quincy Jones, Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Rock. |
|
The N Word
2004 3.4 ★ 86 mins Documentary Rated: NR
It's one of the English language's most inflammatory pejoratives and has lingered like a smoldering fire in America's collective consciousness for more than 100 years. This illuminating documentary looks at the "n" word's history and evolving usage -- which runs the gamut from a repugnant slur to a term of endearment. A slate of celebrities and other familiar figures are interviewed, including |
Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem
2004 3.0 ★ 95 mins Music Rated: NR
Some of the world's best jazz, R & B, hip-hop, rap, gospel and Latin musicians perform classic and modern songs in this 2004 benefit show celebrating the 70th year of Harlem's famed Apollo Theater. Performers include Natalie Cole, Ashanti, Brian McKnight, Yolanda Adams with the Abyssinian Baptist Choir, James Ingram, Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Patti LaBelle, Angie Stone and Arturo Sandoval. |
Quincy Jones: In the Pocket
2002 3.2 ★ 87 mins TV Shows Rated: NR
The American Masters series turns its impeccable eye on the life and career of indomitable composer and producer Quincy Jones. In a career that spans five decades, Jones has earned 26 Grammy awards, numerous Oscar nominations and an Emmy. But that's just the tip of the iceberg: Renowned for his mentoring, he's lent his expertise to the likes of other notable superstars such as Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. |
|
Quincy Jones: In the Pocket
2002 3.2 ★ 87 mins Music & Musicals Rated: NR
The American Masters series turns its impeccable eye on the life and career of indomitable composer and producer Quincy Jones. In a career that spans five decades, Jones has earned 26 Grammy awards, numerous Oscar nominations and an Emmy. But that's just the tip of the iceberg: Renowned for his mentoring, he's lent his expertise to the likes of other notable superstars such as... |
|
Fantasia 2000
2000 3.7 ★ 75 mins Children & Family Rated: G
Blending lively music and brilliant animation, this remake of the original Fantasia breathes new life into Disney's masterpiece. The Sorcerer's Apprentice reappears, and seven new shorts debut in this updated production. Abstract shapes soar through the air, computer-animated whales take flight, a metropolis comes to life and a favorite children's story is retold to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven and George Gershwin, among others. |
|
It's Black Entertainment!
2000 3.1 ★ 80 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Vanessa Williams serves as host for a star-studded testimonial to the film-industry contributions of African-American superstars during the past 100 years. Via interviews and archival footage, the program highlights the struggles and triumphs of -- among others --Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, |
|
Fantasia 2000
2000 3.7 ★ 75 mins Children & Family Movies Rated: G RT:82%
Blending lively music and brilliant animation, this remake of the original Fantasia breathes new life into Disney's masterpiece. The Sorcerer's Apprentice reappears, and seven new shorts debut in this updated production. Abstract shapes soar through the air, computer-animated whales take flight, a metropolis comes to life and a favorite children's story is retold to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven and George Gershwin, among others. |
|
It's Black Entertainment!
2000 3.1 ★ 80 mins TV Shows Rated: NR
Vanessa Williams serves as host for a star-studded testimonial to the film-industry contributions of African-American superstars during the past 100 years. Via interviews and archival footage, the program highlights the struggles and triumphs of -- among others --Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Diana Ross, Cab Calloway and Little Richard, plus contemporary icons such as Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, Quincy Jones and Spike Lee. |
|
Frank Sinatra Memorial
1999 3.1 ★ 90 mins Music Rated: NR
Celebrities who knew Frank Sinatra (and even those who didn't) discuss his legacy, from his crooning to his acting career to his personal life. Sinatra is eulogized by Tony Curtis, Faye Dunaway, Joey Bishop, Debbie Reynolds and many others. The memorial also features interviews with Ole Blue Eyes and his family members, plus a 1945 Oscar-winning short with The Chairman of the Board singing about racial equality to a group of children. |
|
Frank Sinatra Memorial
1999 3.1 ★ 90 mins Music & Musicals Rated: NR
Celebrities who knew Frank Sinatra (and even those who didn't) discuss his legacy, from his crooning to his acting career to his personal life. Sinatra is eulogized by Tony Curtis, Faye Dunaway, |
A Great Day in Harlem / The Spitball Story
 1998 3.7 ★ 81 mins Documentaries Rated: NR
Director Jean Bach constructed a remarkable documentary around a renowned 1958 photograph. Taken for &NFi;Esquire&NFi_; magazine, the photo looked like a class picture featuring 57 jazz legends who have never been together: Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and scads of others. Through interviews and archival footage, Bach recreates the day the photo was snapped and reveals many of the stories it tells. |
A Great Day in Harlem / The Spitball Story
1998 3.7 ★ 81 mins Documentary Rated: NR
Director Jean Bach constructed a remarkable documentary around a renowned 1958 photograph. Taken for Esquire magazine, the photo looked like a class picture featuring 57 jazz legends who have never been together: Thelonious Monk, |
A Great Day in Harlem / The Spitball Story: Bonus Material
1998 4.0 ★ 120 mins Documentaries Rated: NR
This companion disc to the Academy Award-nominated documentary includes over two hours of new video profiles of the 57 musicians involved in the photograph. |
A Great Day in Harlem / The Spitball Story
1998 81 mins Documentaries Rated: NR
Director Jean Bach constructed a remarkable documentary around a renowned 1958 photograph. Taken for &NFi;Esquire&NFi_; magazine, the photo looked like a class picture featuring 57 jazz legends who have never been together: Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and scads of others. Through interviews and archival footage, Bach recreates the day the photo was snapped and reveals many of the stories it tells. |
|
Quincy Jones: 50 Years in Music: Live at Montreux
1996 2.7 ★ 135 mins Music Rated: NR
To celebrate his illustrious 50-year career, legendary music man Quincy Jones calls on some of the biggest names in the business -- including Chaka Khan and Phil Collins -- to join him onstage for this memorable 1996 concert. Selections include "Stockholm Sweetnin'" with David Sanborn; "In the Heat of the Night" with Mick Hucknall; "After You've Gone" with Collins; and "Everything Must Change" featuring Hucknall and Khan. |
|
A Great Day in Harlem
1994 3.9 ★ Documentaries Rated: NR
On a summer day in 1958, Esquire photographer Art Kane gathered 57 of the greatest jazz musicians in the world for a group photo in front of a Harlem brownstone. The picture forms the glue that holds Jean Bach's Oscar-nominated documentary together. While the film is nominally about the famous snapshot, Bach takes great care to capture the vibrant spirit of Harlem at the time through anecdotes from those who were there that day. |
|
Ray Charles: 50 Years in Music
1991 3.2 ★ 90 mins Music Rated: NR
Celebrating an artist who helped shape American popular music for more than 50 years, some of Ray Charles's biggest admirers throw him a party to remember. Star-studded performances captured in this memorable live concert feature the likes of Stevie Wonder, Gladys Night and, of course, the legendary piano man himself, while celebrities Paul McCartney, Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, George Lopez and Gloria Estefan deliver touching personal tributes. |
|
Listen Up! The Lives of Quincy Jones
1990 2.9 ★ 115 mins Documentary Rated: PG-13
Steering clear of convention, this affecting documentary pays tribute to the life and work of composer, musician and producer Quincy Jones, one of the best-known and most respected men in the music industry. Highlights include interviews with a long list of celebrities -- from Miles Davis, |
Listen Up! The Lives of Quincy Jones
1990 3.0 ★ 115 mins Documentaries Rated: PG-13
Steering clear of convention, this affecting documentary pays tribute to the life and work of composer, musician and producer Quincy Jones, one of the best-known and most respected men in the music industry. Highlights include interviews with a long list of celebrities -- from Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson and Flavor Flav -- who weigh in on Jones' widespread influence |
The Wiz
1978 3.3 ★ 135 mins Children & Family Movies Rated: G RT:29% until 01-Jan-2025 
Motown's Oscar-nominated take on L. Frank Baum's ageless tale stars Diana Ross as Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy, who exits a family gathering to search for her lost pooch, Toto, gets caught in a blizzard and is transported to the magical land of Oz. |
|
Live and Swingin': The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection
1965 3.3 ★ 90 mins Music & Musicals Rated: NR
Filmed live in 1965 at the Kiel Opera House in St. Louis, this rare Rat Pack concert features Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. backed by the Count Ba... |
|
Live and Swingin': The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection
1965 3.3 ★ 90 mins Music Rated: NR
Filmed live in 1965 at the Kiel Opera House in St. Louis, this rare Rat Pack concert features Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. backed by the Count Basie Orchestra with a young Quincy Jones at the helm. Highlights include the classics "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You," "Chicago" and "What Kind of Fool Am I." Special guest Johnny Carson is on hand to lend some laughs. |
|
Jazz Icons: Quincy Jones: Live in '60
1960 3.0 ★ 80 mins Music & Musicals Rated: NR
Shot in Switzerland and Belgium in 1960, this immaculately recorded big band concert shows composer-arranger Quincy Jones at the peak of his powers on 17 songs with an 18-piece orchestra including Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Sahib Shihab, Budd Johnson and Benny Bailey. Tracks include "I Remember Clifford," "Walkin'," "Moanin'," "Lester Leaps In," "The Gypsy," "Tickle Toe," "Birth... |
|
Jazz Icons: Quincy Jones: Live in '60
1960 3.0 ★ 80 mins Music Rated: NR
Shot in Switzerland and Belgium in 1960, this immaculately recorded big band concert shows composer-arranger Quincy Jones at the peak of his powers on 17 songs with an 18-piece orchestra including Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Sahib Shihab, Budd Johnson and Benny Bailey. Tracks include "I Remember Clifford," "Walkin'," "Moanin'," "Lester Leaps In," "The Gypsy," "Tickle Toe," "Birth of a Band," "Everybody's Blues" and more. |
