Alberta Hunter: My Castle's Rockin'

An American Film Festival Winner, this performance documentary DVD, Alberta Hunter: My Castle’s Rockin’, explores the life, times, and music of a Blues and Jazz pioneer, singer Alberta Hunter. Complete with a full-length concert live from the Cookery in Greenwich Village, as well as rare vintage footage and interviews, this DVD captures the spirit of the "Jazz Age," while simultaneously showcasing Alberta Hunter's timeless vocals and music. Narrated by renowned pianist Billy Taylor, the DVD features the music of her friends Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, King Oliver, Paul Robeson and Fats Waller, among others.

 

“An exhilarating, moving portrait of an extraordinary woman”

 – Los Angeles Times

 

After achieving success for over 40 years with starring roles on Broadway, international tours, and more than a dozen hits, including           Downhearted Blues, which became Bessie Smith’s biggest hit in 1923, Alberta left show business at age 62 to become a nurse. Twenty years later, she was forced to retire.  Still full of energy, and known for her independent spirit and often naughty lyrics, she returned to singing with a critically acclaimed comeback, making her more popular then in her heyday.

“…a thoroughly professional and informative documentary…

consistently delightful…”                                         - Cadence Magazine

 

For this important film, Alberta opened her personal archives to Producer / Director Stuart Goldman, sharing materials never seen before in public and giving her last filmed interview prior to her death at age 89. Featuring her own provocative and witty performances, this DVD, Alberta Hunter: My Castle’s Rockin’, is a wonderful and fitting tribute, preserving the iconic legacy of an American original, Alberta Hunter.

 

“…a delightful bit of American and social history… remarkable…

Billy Taylor’s narrative adds a dignity to the presentation…a

wonderful start. It brought more then a few tears to my eyes.”                                                                                                      – San Francisco Examiner

 

“…fascinating …a revelation…a welcome addition to music

lovers’ video collection”                                            -USA Today

 

Selections include:

My Castle’s Rockin’

Two-Fisted Double-Jointed Rough and Ready Man

Darktown Strutters Ball

Downhearted Blues

I’ve Got a Mind to Ramble

Black Shadows

I’m Havin’ a Good Time

Handy Man

You’re Welcome to Come Home

The Love I Have For You

 

DVD Bonus Features:

Alberta Hunter Biography

Four Bonus Audio Tracks

Dolby Digital Stereo Audio

Digitally Mastered Audio & Video

Multi-dimensional Interactive Menus

Over 20 Scene Selections

Instant Access to Songs

English Narration by Billy Taylor
(57 minutes, plus 25 minutes of bonus features)