Synopsis

Anita O’Day is considered one of the iconic singers who represented the golden age of American Jazz vocalists during the 1950s and 60s, known for her free-spirited melodies, scat, distinctive rhythm, and swing style. However, despite the glamorous appearances of show business, her life was a heartbreaking struggle to overcome hardships and adversities such as alcoholism, abortion, a 20-year heroin addiction, arrest, and detention. Throughout her life, she tried to act on her own will, never looking back or regretting her choices. Thanks to her strong and straightforward personality, she was able to continue a long-lasting career as a singer until her death on November 23, 2006. She recorded a new album at the age of 84 and even toured Europe. Robbie Cavolina, the director of this film and also Anita O’Day’s manager, unveils and reconstructs her life through rare footage of her performances with jazz masters like Gene Krupa, Stan Kenton, and Louis Armstrong, interviews with jazz critics and fellow singers, and footage of her last recording. The film also delights the audience with over 30 pieces of jazz standards such as ‘Body and Soul,’ ‘Let’s Fall In Love,’ and ‘Love for Sale.’ The film has been enthusiastically received at over 20 film and jazz festivals. (Chun Jin-su)

Director

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  • Robbie Cavolina
  • Robbie Cavolina is a Grammy Award-winning artist and filmmaker. A graduate of art school, Robbie has shown his talent in multiple fields including art, music, and film.