Alberta Hunter (April 1, 1895 – October 17, 1984) was an American singer-songwriter. She sang blues and jazz music. She was especially popular in the 1920s and 1930s. She sang the critically acclaimed “Downhearted Blues” in 1922. She stopped performing in the 1950s.
This music biography portrays the life of the legendary blues singer and songwriter Alberta Hunter.
After 40 years of show business success beginning in the 1920’s, Alberta became a nurse. Twenty years later, when the hospital thought she was 70, she was forced to retire. Still anxious to do something with her life, she returned to singing, to enjoy an acclaimed comeback. Her age was really 82! MY CASTLE’S ROCKIN’ traces Alberta’s remarkable career through the 20th Century, incorporating her best live performances from New York’s famous downtown night spot, The Cookery. Ms. Hunter opened her personal archives to the producer for this documentary, sharing never before seen photos and other momentos from her celebrated career. The film features Alberta Hunter’s final interview before her death in 1984; plus interviews with her manager, nightclub entrepreneur Barney Josephson; her record producer, the legendary John Hammond, and others.
This American Film Festival Winner protrays the life of the legendary singer/songwritter, known for her independent spirit and often naughty lyrics. Retiring at 62 to become a nurse, she made a comeback ay age 82 to greater acclaim then ever. Featuring the music of her friends Louie Armstrong, Eubie Blake, Paul Robeson and Fats Waller and her last film interview. She knocks out numbers ranging from “Handy Man” to “Darktown Strutters Ball.”