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Ronnie’s: Ronnie Scott and His World-Famous Jazz Club

A celebration of the legacy of Ronnie Scott and his world-famous jazz club, featuring previously unseen and unheard performances as well as interviews with some of the most iconic figures in music.

A music documentary that celebrates the legacy of Ronnie Scott and his world-famous jazz club. Featuring previously unseen and unheard performances as well as interviews with some of the most iconic figures in music, the film explores the club’s 60-year history and shines a light on the uncompromising men and women who both built it and who took to its stage.

Named after the late tenor saxophonist who founded the club in London’s bohemian district of Soho in 1959 with business partner Pete King, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club was inspired by the vibrant postwar music scene in New York and quickly became the city’s most famous music venue. Since then the club has consistently played host to the world’s greatest musical legends, including Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Roland Kirk, Buddy Rich, Oscar Peterson and Nina Simone.

Ronnie Scott was among the earliest British musicians influenced by Charlie Parker and became one of the finest saxophone players in Europe. His chief motivation in starting a jazz club was to create a space where he and his contemporaries were free to play modern, forward-thinking music.

Ronnie was beloved by many, from the great and famous who frequented his club to the many hard-up musicians who were often helped by his warmth and generous spirit. However, Ronnie was as complex and colourful as the music played on his stage. In private, Ronnie battled with depression, and when his untimely death occurred in 1996, it left the jazz community bereft of a respected and favourite leader.

1 hour, 45 minutes

Last on

Fri 3 May 2024 01:40
BBC Four

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:13

    Ted Heath & His Music

    Ad Lib Frolic

  • 00:25

    Tony Crombie and Ronnie Scott Quintet

    Soho Blues (Live)

  • 00:32

    Ronnie Scott and Jimmy Deuchar

    Desperation

  • 01:21

    Ella Fitzgerald

    The Man I Love

  • 01:27

    Ronnie Scott

    They Can't Convince Me

Credits

Interviewed Guest Gilles Peterson
Interviewed Guest Kyle Eastwood
Interviewed Guest Simon Cooke
Interviewed Guest Barbara Jay
Interviewed Guest Ronnie Scott
Interviewed Guest Georgie Fame
Interviewed Guest Lenny Breslaw
Interviewed Guest Quincy Jones
Producer Kirsty Bell
Director Oliver Murray

Broadcasts

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