African American History & Literature

With a soundtrack composed by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn (uncredited), Anatomy of a Murder was the first major Hollywood film to feature a Jazz score by African-American composers.

Cabin in the Sky features an all-black cast and stars Ethel Waters, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson and Lena Horne. Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington also appear.

A musical Biopic based on the life of James Brown, stars Chadwick Bozeman, and a Black ensemble cast.

An HBO film about the life of Josephine Baker. Stars Lynn Whitfield and features a score by George Delerue.

Diana Ross stars as Billy Holiday in this biographical Drama produced by Motown Productions.

Documentary featuring archival footage, studio outtakes, and rare photos. Tells the story of an exceptional talent and explains the man behind the horn.

Documentary that explores Davis’s life and immense talent. Set against the backdrop of evolving civil rights in America.

A tribute to the life of jazz musician Charlie “Bird” Parker. Produced and directed by Clint Eastwood.

American drama based on the historical novel by E.L. Doctrow. Features a Jazz and Ragtime score by Randy Newman.

Portrait of R&B icon Ray Charles, stars Jamie Fox.