Watch Body and Soul: An American Bridge

Body and Soul: An American Bridge is a 2017 documentary film that explores the connections between African American and Jewish American musicians and the role they played in shaping American popular music. The film takes its name from the song "Body and Soul," originally recorded by the African American jazz singer Libby Holman in 1930 and later covered by many other artists, including the Jewish American crooner Al Jolson. Through interviews with historians, musicians, and music industry professionals, the film traces the history of African American and Jewish American musical collaboration from the early 20th century to the present day, touching on key figures such as George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington.

Central to the film's narrative is the idea that the musical connections between African American and Jewish American musicians were not simply a matter of creative cross-pollination, but were also deeply rooted in shared experiences of oppression and discrimination. Both African Americans and Jewish Americans faced prejudice and marginalization in the United States, and in many cases found common ground in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.

As the film explores this history, it also delves into the music that emerged from these collaborations, from the early days of jazz and swing to the birth of rock and roll and beyond. Through archival footage and contemporary performance clips, viewers are treated to a rich and varied musical landscape that ranges from the bluesy sing-song of Fats Waller to the brassy bombast of Louis Prima, the smooth crooning of Frank Sinatra to the soulful wail of Ray Charles.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers weave in personal stories and reflections from contemporary musicians who continue to draw inspiration from this heritage. From Wynton Marsalis to Regina Carter, these contemporary artists speak to the ongoing relevance of the African American and Jewish American musical tradition, and its power to inspire and unite people across cultures and generations.

One of the film's key themes is the idea that music has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. As jazz pianist and composer Randy Weston observes in one interview, "Music is a universal language. We don't need any words to communicate." Through its exploration of the connections between African American and Jewish American musicians, Body and Soul: An American Bridge highlights the ways in which music can serve as a bridge between cultures, traditions, and histories.

Overall, Body and Soul: An American Bridge is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving documentary that offers a compelling look at the history of American popular music through a lens of race, ethnicity, and social justice. With its rich archival footage, insightful interviews, and powerful music, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in the social and cultural history of the United States, and the ways in which music has helped to shape that history.

Body and Soul: An American Bridge is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes.