Introduction to Jazz (1951)

Overview

Introduction to Jazz was directed by film students in the newly formed Motion Picture Division at UCLA part of the Educational Film Sales Department. Shot on 16mm, the film meld impressionistic images of Black history and musical culture, with a narration of the history of Jazz. Traces the musical output of Black Americans from slavery to emancipation, ending with the post-World War II period. Features music from Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, Yerba Buena band, and Jelly Roll Morton.