Keep on Keepin' on

  • Alan Hicks
  • United States
  • 2014
  • 84 min
  • Dutch Premiere
  • Music Documentary
Clark Terry (b. 1920) is one of the all-time jazz greats. Although the famous trumpet player is no longer able to perform live, he does everything in his power to pass on his skills to a new generation. Just like he used to do in between performances for a young Quincy Jones. His student Justin Kauflin has been blind from an early age, but he is determined to become a successful pianist with Terry’s help. A deep friendship develops between the student and his teacher. Even the increasing deterioration of Terry’s health doesn’t stop him from jamming with the young Kauflin, singing and talking about music deep into the night. The documentary gives us insight, including footage of times long gone, into Terry’s musical past, crammed with big names like Miles Davis and Billie Holiday. While Terry is in the hospital, his health failing even more, Kauflin is selected to compete in a major music competition. With Terry’s wise words in his mind – and wearing a pair of his lucky socks – Kauflin gives it his best shot. Keep on Keepin' on is a film about perseverance, faith and having confidence in yourself and others.

Credits

  • 84 min
  • color / black and white
  • DCP
  • Spoken languages: English
Director
Alan Hicks
Production
Paula DuPré Pesmen for Absolute Clay Productions, LLC, Quincy Jones for Quincy Jones Productions, Inc.
Executive producer
Alan Hicks for Absolute Clay Productions, LLC, Adam Hart for Absolute Clay Productions, LLC, Adam Fell for Quincy Jones Productions, Inc., David Skinner for ShadowCatcher Entertainment, Tom Gorai for ShadowCatcher Entertainment, Jill Mazursky
Cinematography
Adam Hart
Editing
Davis Coombe

IDFA history

2014
Dutch Premiere
Music Documentary

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IDFA history

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