Documentary highlights Detroit’s contributions to American Jazz

Jazz emerged from the Black community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the South. 

The Great Migration and the promise of a better life brought jazz north, where Detroit became a mini haven for the genre and its expanding sound.  

The film titled "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit” wants to remind audiences and lovers of jazz of the rich history and artists that Detroit has shared with the world. 

The documentary transports audiences through time, exploring the intersections of Detroit jazz with the importance of the Great Migration to Black Bottom and beyond. It features giants that you’ve heard on The Metro before like Rodney Whitaker, Marion Hayden, Regina Carter, Kareem Riggins and Endea Owens. 

Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit is streaming on Prime Video.

Mark Stryker is a journalist, author and filmmaker. He is also a co-producer of “The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit”.