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| From a History of Slavery to Making Music History For nearly a century, 86-year-old Hamilton-born Jackie Washington has been playing jazz, swing, blues and folk music. The Jackie Washington Story, produced and directed by Ari A. Cohen and produced in association with Bravo!, recounts the incredible life of the legendary musician who has overcome many obstacles, both personally and professionally, built a repertoire of nearly 1300 songs, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of music history. One of 15 children, Washington's roots date back to slavery, when his grandfather escaped Virginia to Hamilton, Ontario. Throughout the "Big Band" era, the Washington home was the gathering place for touring black musicians like Duke Ellington, Fats Waller and Count Basie. By the time he was five, Washington and his brothers were part of The Washington Quartet, playing through the '20s and '30s. When his eldest brother drowned, Washington went solo and subsidized his income with various "day" jobs. He made history in the late '40s by becoming the first black radio DJ in Canada, hosting a jazz show. Today, the charismatic singer and guitarist is a recent recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Arts Council. From his Hamilton area seniors' home, he candidly recounts stories about his life, his passions and hard work. And the camera also follows him on a cross-Canada tour with his trio mates, Mose Scarlet and Ken Whiteley. Funding for The Jackie Washington Story provided by Bravo! Canada, Ari A. Cohen Films Inc., Telefilm Canada, Canadian Television Fund, Québec and Canadian Tax Credits, National Film Board's Filmmaker's Assistance Program, Knowledge and Saskatchewan Communications Network Corporation. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |