Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer 16 years old

She survived it all to become one of the world's great jazz singers

This documentary explores the life of jazz singer Anita O'Day. As a child, Anita had a tonsillectomy, during which her uvula was accidentally removed. The surgery prevents her from singing vibrato and holding long notes, but lends to her much-revered percussive style. Anita overcomes her vocal hurdle, as well as many others -- including poverty, heroin addiction and jail time for a drug arrest -- to become one of the most prolific and respected jazz vocalists of the 20th century. Initial release: 30 April 2007

Credits

Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer Cast

Name Character
John Cameron Mitchell He was 44, now 60 years old as Himself
Johnny Mandel He was 81, now 98 years old as Himself
Annie Ross She was 76, now 93 years old as Herself
Gerald Wilson He was 88, 96 years old when he died as Himself
Leonard Feather He was 92, 80 years old when he died as Himself
Buddy Bregman He was 76, 86 years old when he died as Himself
George Wein He was 81, now 98 years old as Himself
Will Friedwald He was 46, now 63 years old as Himself
Margaret Whiting She was 82, 86 years old when she died as Herself
Anita O'Day She was 87, 87 years old when she died as Herself

Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer Crew

Name Department
Ian McCrudden as Director. He was 36 (now 53) years old Directing
Robbie Cavolina as Director. Directing
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer poster
Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (16 years)

She survived it all to become one of the world's great jazz singers

  • Release day: Monday, April 30, 2007
  • Runtime: 90 minutes
  • Budget: 200000.00