Boogie Woogie Dream (1944) – Lena Horne in a Rediscovered Jazz Treasure

25 days ago
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This breathtaking musical short captures a pivotal moment in American music history, featuring the legendary Lena Horne at her most luminous alongside boogie-woogie pioneers Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson. Lost for decades and miraculously restored, this film preserves a vital chapter in the story of African-American music during World War II.

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📖 THE PERFORMANCE
Set in an intimate nightclub where reality and dreamscape merge, this visionary short frames its musical numbers as a seamless flow of artistic expression. Lena Horne delivers stunning vocal performances that showcase her emerging star power, while Ammons and Johnson engage in thrilling piano duels that demonstrate why boogie-woogie captivated the nation.

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⭐ HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

· Cultural Bridge: Commissioned during WWII to showcase African-American musical innovation
· Artistic Preservation: Captures three legendary performers at creative peaks
· Technical Innovation: Early example of musical fantasy blending performance with narrative
· Social Impact: Helped bring black musical forms to mainstream audiences
· Restoration Miracle: Thought lost for half a century before being rediscovered and preserved

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🎬 PRODUCTION NOTES

· Genre: Musical Short, Jazz, Performance Film
· Director: Hanus Burger
· Runtime: 10 minutes
· Studio: Film Craft Productions
· Featured Artists: Lena Horne, Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson

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🎹 MUSICAL LEGACY

· Lena Horne's transition from big band vocalist to solo star
· Albert Ammons' revolutionary boogie-woogie technique
· Pete Johnson's Kansas City jazz roots
· The popularization of boogie-woogie during wartime
· Influence on post-war rhythm and blues

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💬 JOIN THE JAZZ CONVERSATION
What does this film reveal about 1940s musical culture? How does Lena Horne's performance compare to her later work? Why is the preservation of such musical documents crucial for understanding American culture?

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