Breaking News: Detroit Jazz Documentary Coming to Prime Video on Dec. 9

Mark Stryker · 2025-11-19T18:21:59Z

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Gang,

I am beyond thrilled to report that The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit, which I wrote and produced with two New York filmmakers, will officially premiere on Prime Video on December 9! By far the most frequently asked question I get about the film is when and where can I see it? Now I have an answer. You and your families and friends across the country will be able to stream the film starting this holiday season. My coproducers and I have been striving toward the goal of national distribution since work began on the documentary five years ago, and here we are.

The appearance on Prime Video is also just the first step toward what promises to be a dynamic 2026 for the film. In addition to multiple streaming platforms, the documentary will screened at an increasing number of arts institutions, universities, jazz clubs, and other venues throughout the country. I'll be able to share more details soon. If anyone is connected to an organization, school, or other presenter that might have an interest in booking the film, please reach out through the PM function here or email: mstryker63 (at) gmail.

For those who may not have previously been aware of the film, it was inspired by my 2019 book, Jazz from Detroit (University of Michigan Press). A mutual friend connected me my eventual partners, Daniel Loewenthal (director, editor, producer) and Roberta Friedman (producer). We premiered the film last year in Detroit, and spent the last year on the festival circuit, appearing in nine festivals across North America and Europe. Here's a brief synopisis from our press materials:

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The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit weaves a compelling historical and cultural tapestry connecting Detroit’s innovative and influential jazz legacy, the city’s dramatic rise and fall as an industrial power, and the struggles and triumphs of its resilient African American community. From legends like Elvin Jones and Yusef Lateef, to contemporary stars like Regina Carter and Kenny Garrett, you can’t tell the history of jazz without telling the history of jazz from Detroit and the profound tradition of mentorship nurturing Detroit jazz since the 1950s.

Among the musicians, historians, and writers featured in the film are: Geri Allen, Terence Blanchard, George Bohanon, Kenny Burrell, Ron Carter, Regina Carter, James Carter, Barry Harris, Marion Hayden, Louis Hayes, Robert Hurst III, Hank Jones, Elvin Jones, Thad Jones, Sheila Jordan, Yusef Lateef, Christian McBride, Charles McPherson, Pat Metheny, Johnny O’Neal, Endea Owens, Karriem Riggins, Rodney Whitaker, Don Was, David Maraniss, Herb Boyd, Jamon Jordan, Marsha Music, and many others. (90 min.)

More info can be found at https://www.jazzfromdetroitfilm.com/

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