A film about the untold story of the first Jazz legend, Charles “Buddy” Bolden is set to hit theaters on May 3.

The musical drama, Bolden, explores the life of the talented cornetist, who has been proclaimed by many, as the originator of the Jazz genre.

The Dan Pritzker-directed film takes a deeper dive into the mysterious life of Bolden as he takes the reigns of influencing a new sound of music in New Orleans during the early 20th century.

Although very little is known about the musical sensation and there are no found recordings of his music, the movie touches on the captivating and groundbreaking life of “King Bolden” in his attempt to fulfill his American dream living as a Black man in the early 1900s.

The film not only touches on his success, but focuses on the personal trials and tribulations he experienced during his lifetime. From his battle with mental health issues, exploitation, his love life and managing societal and political pressures in Jim Crow America, the film provides viewers the opportunity to enter Bolden’s world in fragmented, distant memories of his past.

Bolden and his band brought life to New Orleans through his revolutionary, New Orleans-style ragtime music.

The musical genius was one of the few artists who was able to learn and play by ear and changed the way we heard music forever, while also attempting to overcome racial oppression and the temptations of money, greed and power.

The unsung American hero paved the way for the most prominent musical figures in history such as Louis Armstong who said that Bolden, “…was just a one-man genius that was ahead of them all…too good for his time.”

Actor Gary Carr stars as Bolden in the film alongside Yaya DaCosta, Ian McShane, Michael Rooker and Erik LaRay Harvey. The music featured in the movie was written, arranged and performed by Wynton Marsalis.

Take a look at where Jazz began and learn about the life of the first King of New Orleans this spring. Watch the trailer here.

This piece is brought to you by "Bolden" the movie.

20th Century

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