by Perry Seibert
synopsis
Willie the Lion documents the remarkable life and career of William Joseph Bonaparte Bertholoff Smith, better known as The Lion, a highly influential figure in the history of jazz. In addition to a full life that included a stint in the army, Smith composed numerous tunes and his piano style influenced such famous figures as Thelonious Monk, Artie Shaw, and Duke Ellington.
characteristics
- Musician's Life
- Pianist
- Showman
- War-hero
- Memory Lane
- Jazz
- Cantor
- Career-retrospective
- Composer
