Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story
Synopsis
By 15 years old, Frank Morgan was an accomplished saxophonist, playing with the likes of Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday. As his notoriety grew, so did a steady heroin addiction, landing him in and out of jail for over 30 years. With so much incarcerated musical talent, San Quentin in the 1950s held one of the leading 16 man jazz groups in the country. The Sound of Redemption offers a frank look into the ups and downs of Morgan's life and a reflective look at African-American culture in 1950s Los Angeles. Centered around a 2012 tribute to the man in San Quentin penitentiary, friends, musical mentors, ex-lovers, and family look on and reminisce about the happy-sad life of the great Frank Morgan. This documentary is recommended for College and University Music Departments.