Bolden

Bolden

Year: 2019

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Dan Pritzker

Drama

In 1900s New Orleans, Buddy Bolden, a charismatic cornet player, rises to prominence, pioneering a new and revolutionary sound that would become jazz. His unique improvisational style and fiery performances captivate audiences and inspire a generation of musicians. As Bolden’s fame grows, his personal demons threaten to consume him, leading to a tragic downfall and leaving a lasting legacy on the world of music.

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Charles “Buddy” Bolden, celebrated as King Bolden, led his renowned band in New Orleans from around 1900 to 1907, establishing a lasting legacy with his exceptionally loud sound and penchant for constant improvisation. Despite the absence of any known recordings, Bolden’s influence is underscored by a wealth of oral histories that reflect the enigma surrounding his life.

Unfortunately, the details of his existence are often clouded by colorful myths—tales that depict him as a barber or a publisher of a scandal sheet titled The Cricket, both of which have been disproven but remain part of the lore. Tragically, Bolden suffered a severe episode of alcoholic psychosis in 1907 at the tender age of 30, resulting in a diagnosis of dementia praecox. Following this difficult period, he was institutionalized in a mental hospital where he would spend the remainder of his life.

In the somber confines of Holt Cemetery, a pauper’s graveyard located in New Orleans, Bolden was interred in an unmarked grave. Though a monument was unveiled in his honor back in 1998, his precise final resting place remains a mystery, adding another layer to the intriguing yet tragic story of this jazz pioneer.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:24

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