Watch Korla

Korla is a documentary film released in 2015 that chronicles the extraordinary life and music career of the enigmatic Korla Pandit. Directed and produced by John Turner and Eric Christensen, the film provides a fascinating insight into the man's life and career, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame as a prominent American musician and television personality in the 1950s.

Korla Pandit was a remarkable and enigmatic figure in American music and television history. Opening with a montage of vintage television clips featuring Korla's music and unique personality, the film captures the glamour and allure that he brought to his performances. Building on this early glimpse, the narrative then moves back in time to explore the man and the myth.

Born John Roland Redd in St. Louis in 1921, Korla was the child of a mixed-race family that included African American, French, and Indian heritage. From an early age, he showed a talent for music and performance, studying a range of instruments including piano, organ, and accordion. However, it was his exotic, hypnotic playing of the Hammond Organ that would ultimately define his career.

After performing in a range of venues, Korla was discovered by Los Angeles-based record producer Gene Norman in the mid-1940s. Norman was captivated by Korla's unique sound, and soon signed him to his own label, where Korla released a series of albums that showcased his dynamic and engaging style. However, it was his pioneering television work that would truly set him apart.

In the 1950s, with the burgeoning popularity of television, Korla was offered a prominent spot on KTLA's Hollywood Matinee show. His performances were a sensation, and he soon became a household name. However, Korla's appearance and stage persona were equally awe-inspiring, featuring a turban, slim-fit tuxedo, and intense gaze. More controversially, Korla was widely believed to be a mystical Indian musician, a claim he encouraged but never confirmed.

The film also examines the cultural context of Korla's career, highlighting the complex racial and social norms of the time. As a man of mixed heritage, Korla faced both overt and implicit discrimination. Despite this, he was embraced by audiences across the country, for whom he represented a complex and fascinating image of exoticism and otherness.

Korla is a tribute to an unsung hero of American music and television. Drawing on archival footage, interviews with family and friends, and contemporary performances, the film paints a vivid portrait of a truly unique individual. Throughout his life and career, Korla remained an enigmatic figure, talked about as much for his music as for his perplexing public image. This film offers a glimpse behind the curtain, and provides an engaging and important perspective on a pivotal moment in American popular culture.

Featuring insightful interviews with luminaries such as Nedra Volz, Harry Edwards, and Cecilia Louise Cass, Korla is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of identity and the power of music. It is a must-see for anyone with an interest in music history, and for anyone eager to understand the ongoing significance of cultural representation and performance. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to Korla's music, this documentary offers an engaging and thought-provoking look into the life and career of an extraordinary artist.