
5.4
Anthem
1997


She fought to create in a world that could not see past her race or gender
Jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams was a genius ahead of her time. From child prodigy to "Boogie-Woogie Queen" to groundbreaking composer to mentoring some of the greatest musicians of all time, she never ceased to astound those who heard her play. But for a Black woman in the early 1900s, life as a star did not come easy.
Directed by Carol Bash

Mary Lou Williams
Self (archive footage)

Alfre Woodard
Mary Lou Williams (voice)

Delroy Lindo
John Williams (voice)

Wendell Pierce
Andy Kirk (voice)

Stanley Crouch
Self

Robin D.G. Kelley
Self
Gary Giddins
Self
Tammy L. Kernodle
Self

1997

1979

1988

2025

2026

2006

1934

2019

2002

2017

1994

1933