The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane
“Did you get that chick? She’s a gasser!”
LOUIS ARMSTRONG
The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane illuminates the extraordinary story of a trailblazing woman and an unsung hero of American roots music: folk, blues and jazz singer, social justice activist, wife, mother of three, world traveler, feminist, record producer, maverick and general troublemaker.
In the late 1950s, Barbara was a rising star, inspired by the Black women blues singers of the 1920s — Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith and their life philosophies. Her swing and unique phrasing caught the ear of jazz aficionados across the country, and soon she was performing and recording with many jazz and blues greats: Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines, Jack Teagarden, Lightnin’ Hopkins.
“Bessie Smith in stereo”
LEONARD FEATHER, Jazz critic
Barbara moved seamlessly from the bright lights of celebrity to the tumultuous streets of 1960s America, paving her own way with her art, in the service of social justice, civil rights, and peace. She shared stages with Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and Phil Ochs. Dane’s innate honesty and indignation at injustice put her at odds with people and opportunities throughout her life while adding pages to her 4-inch thick FBI file.
In 1962, Barbara joined fellow folksingers on the Mississippi Caravan of Music to support the Freedom Riders under attack for registering Black voters. She performed at both the Newport and Monterey Folk Festivals. She helped amplify the voices of many musicians — Jesse Fuller, Mama Yancey, and the Chambers Brothers.
“The world needs more people like Barbara, someone who is willing to follow her conscience. She is, if the term must be used, a hero.”
BOB DYLAN
Dane was galvanized to support the GI Anti-Vietnam War Movement, singing at GI Coffee Houses across the country. She inspired actress Jane Fonda to join the cause, in the US and internationally. Fonda credits Barbara with developing her understanding of feminism, which led her to take the role of KLUTE which garnered Fonda her first Oscar.
In the summer of 2016, to celebrate her 90th year, Dane recorded a new CD, Throw It Away, and hit the road with a film crew over the next two years, performing six major concerts in six cities, including Havana, Cuba. She has fearlessly followed her conscience and “kept her soul,” despite daunting setbacks and consequences, and serves as deep inspiration for all generations.
| Release date: 2023 Production Company: Protesta Productions In Association With Jed Riffe Films Director & Editor: Maureen Gosling Producer: Jed Riffe Executive Producers: Nina Menendez, Danny Glover, Jonathan Logan, Carolyn Mugar, T.M. Scruggs, Kit Miller, Nancy Blachman Associate Producer: Victoria Dmitrieva Cinematographer: Ashley James Cuba Camera: Roberto Chili |
