The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
Tag:

David Blackman.

FeaturedFilmMusicTV

What A Wonderful Film! “Louis Armstrong’s: Black & Blues” Documentary Airs on Apple TV Plus

by Danielle Niecey December 12, 2022
written by Danielle Niecey

December 5, 2022, Bryant Park Hotel, Manhattan, NY – On the evening of December 5th, a room full of media writers and press professionals filled the intimate screening room at the Bryant Park Hotel in Manhattan to view the October 28th, release of An Apple Original Film, Louis Armstrong’s: Black & Blues. The penetrative documentary on the life of Jazz Trumpeter and Vocalist, Louis Armstrong, was directed and produced by Sacha Jenkins; co-produced by Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Julie Anderson and Executively Produced by Brian Grazer, Michele Anthony and David Blackman.

The documentary film, Louis Armstrong: Black & Blues, takes the audience on a journey that highlights the life of the world renowned talent, soloist, jazz pioneer Louis Armstrong, more affectionately known as “Satchmo” the Ambassador.  For those who did not know, Louis received this derivative of his original nickname ‘satchel mouth’, a term he picked up from the way his lips cradled the mouthpiece of his trumpet. In the early 1930’s on a trip overseas to Britain, Melody Maker magazine editor, Percy Brooks, mispronounced the nickname he likely acquired while researching Louis’ musical career and accidentally called him,”Satchmo” in his greeting. For Louis, the father of scat and one of the most influential musicians in history, it phonetically made sense and he held tight to his colleague’s “bloop” (and the blip) for his namesake.

The tokens this documentary film offers to the audience are deposited that way. Archival footage and never before heard private conversations reveal the impassioned side of the musical prodigy that most never knew existed.  The film uncovers the mystery behind the ever-seen-grinning, “What A Wonderful World” singer.  Presented in the film are photos, with names, with dates, with detailed stories from his life, and short reflective segments in the form of letters narrated by one of my favorite living hip hop legends Nasir “Nas” Jones. Those who met and coincided with the beloved Louis Armstrong, helped to trace the outline of Armstrong’s past with lost footage; pulling from the roots of his humble upbringing in New Orleans, his natural inclination to work hard and hustle for every cent he earned, regardless of the social climate; to his discovery and exploration of music as a calling; his exposure to racism and its impacts on him professionally and psychologically; and his peaceful transition in his Corona, New York home, in 1971.

Hectah Arias, the art director on the film, does a remarkable job storyboarding the narration of Armstrong’s story, visually. Parallel to Louis’s freedom of expression, the visual art unfolds, echoing the likeness of a moving collage on screen. The brilliance of the visual design in the film shines through with the usage of reels, the placement of diagrams, excerpts and sound clips inspired by the musician, who intuitively knew that he would need to record the events of his life for future generations to build on. Whether hobby or heightened awareness, the prolific Louis clipped and saved parts of news articles, concert and show bills; or wrote by hand, the state of affairs of the world and the internal dialogue he often chose not share publicly until the latter parts of his life. Louis knew his influence and wielded his power with skill and tact, even to the detriment of the reputation he held within his community during the civil rights movements when he opted out of protest to “play his horn,” instead.

Another great feature in this documentary is that it is jam packed with detailed information to support the points it claims. For example, Louis Armstrong being considered the pioneer of modern Jazz music; the directors strategically place an archived clip of a media journalist explaining the intricate composition of Jazz music in a simplified way. He explains what made Louis Armstrong’s technique ahead of its time and explains the ways in which Louis weaved his instrumentation and vocals between notes. His mastery of the art form had not been done, or at least documented before with such wide reaching appeal or visibility.

At the end of the film, before the cocktails and the hors d’oeuvres, Directors Sacha Jenkins and  Sara Bernstein participated in a live Q&A where the audience members were able to ask questions about the film, the inspiration behind the making of the documentary and learned more about the directors’ experience working on this project as a collaborative team.  To our surprise, Director and Producer, Sacha Jenkins shared a paranormal encounter he and the crew had while visiting the home of the late Louis Armstrong and credited the “phantom spinning record” as a blessing and sign off from Armstrong himself, that he had his hand in the retelling of his life through his art.

What I love most about this film is that it is subtly educational and it offers more insight beyond the life of the man. As a music lover, I’ve always wanted to appreciate Jazz on a fundamental level and I was offered that opportunity to comprehend the genre through Louis Armstrong’s documentary. I applaud the film for educating me as a viewer on the historic events surrounding his career setbacks, such as him encountering legal troubles for marijuana possession or the legal ramifications he faced for participating in a hometown parade in blackface. For many years, I thought it to be a prejudiced joke that African Americans were depicted by this character in movies. I was further taken aback when I learned that its creation was to incorporate black characters into tv & film stories without needing to hire minority actors and actresses for the roles. This troubling realization was triggering and illustrated the aspects of Louis Armstrong’s career that he silently endured having to perform in hotels he was not even allowed to eat in, sleep in or relieve himself in. However, his tenacity and ability to maintain his composure and fill the world with his freedom in song spoke volumes of him as a human being; one that was able to leave behind a beautiful legacy for his community and the world at large. 

I highly recommend the film, Louis Armstrong’s: Black & Blues, for anyone that’s intrigued by splendid visuals on screen; those interested in exploring and understanding the origin of Jazz music; and peeking beyond the veil of one of the biggest influencers in American music culture, the polished yet animated Trumpeter, Louis Armstrong. What a wonderful film!

 

December 12, 2022 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch