Unsung Heroes

unsung heroes:
the music of jazz in New Haven

Unsung Heroes: The Music of Jazz in New Haven showcases the heritage of New Haven's jazz community, weaving the personal narratives of musicians and their families within the context of the city's social and political history. It combines oral histories from individuals who played influential roles in the evolution of jazz music in New Haven with images from a variety of sources.
The documentary focuses on the special period after WWII, lasting several decades, during which time many Connecticut musicians developed national and regional prominence. Musicians like Willie Ruff, Horace Silver John "Count" Steadwell, Eddie and Bobby Buster, Ed Cercone, Dickie Meyers, and a host of others played in big bands and small ensembles at New Haven clubs like Lillian's Paradise, The Playback, the Musician's Club, the Democratic Club, the Golden Gate and the legendary Monterey. Created by Rufus Greenlee, one of New Haven's greatest citizens, the Monterey epitomized the best of New Haven music and culture during that time. There and at the other clubs, local musicians played with Duke Ellington, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Illinois Jacquet and others who were part of the stellar spectrum of musical artists for whom New Haven was an important stop on the performance circuit. Unsung Heroes shines light on the great local legends whose musical legacy lives on throughout the city today.

WINNER Cine Golden Eagle 2001
Sponsored by:
The SBC Foundation
New Haven Savings Bank
The City of New Haven, John DeStefano, Mayor,
Office of Cultural Affairs
Yale University's Office of New Haven and State Affairs Quinnipiac University's School of Communications
Produced and directed by: Rebecca L. Abbott
Historical consultant and writer: W. Frank Mitchell
Narrated by: Aleta Staton
Produced in collaboration with Jazz Haven, New Haven's community jazz organization. Doug Morrill, President
copyright 2001: Rebecca L. Abbott and Jazz Haven
Total running time: 57 minutes

Graphic design by Rebecca Abbott