"i Called Him Morgan" at Healdsburg Jazz Festival at Raven Performing Arts Theater

On a snowy night in February 1972, celebrated jazz musician Lee Morgan was shot dead by his wife Helen during a gig at a club in New York City. The murder sent shock waves through the jazz community, and the memory of the event still haunts those who knew the Morgans.

Helen served time for the crime and, following her release, retreated into obscurity. Over 20 years later, a chance encounter led her to give a remarkable interview. Helen’s revealing audio “testimony” acts as a refrain throughout the film, which draws together a wealth of archival photographs and footage, notable talking heads and incredible jazz music to tell the ill-fated pair’s story....

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On a snowy night in February 1972, celebrated jazz musician Lee Morgan was shot dead by his wife Helen during a gig at a club in New York City. The murder sent shock waves through the jazz community, and the memory of the event still haunts those who knew the Morgans.

Helen served time for the crime and, following her release, retreated into obscurity. Over 20 years later, a chance encounter led her to give a remarkable interview. Helen’s revealing audio “testimony” acts as a refrain throughout the film, which draws together a wealth of archival photographs and footage, notable talking heads and incredible jazz music to tell the ill-fated pair’s story.

Part true-crime tale, part love story, and an all-out musical treat, I Called Him Morgan is a stirring tribute to two unique personalities and the music that brought them together. A film by Swedish filmmaker Kasper Collin (My Name Is Albert Ayler), featuring cinematography by Oscar-nominated Bradford Young (Selma, Arrival).

I Called Him Morgan will screen once only, Monday May 22, at 7 p.m. at the Raven Film Center on Center Street (behind the Raven Performing Arts Center). It is presented in conjunction with the Alexander Valley Film Society; learn more about AVFS.

Tickets are $12, only $10 for members of the AVFS or of Healdsburg Jazz*. Go here to purchase.

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