Charles Mingus: Triumph of the Underdog

Don McGlynn’s unflinching and heartfelt documentary delves into the chaotic life of musician and iconoclast Charles Mingus, offering a captivating exploration. Mingus once described himself as “half black man, half yellow man, but I claim to be a Negro. I am Charles Mingus, the renowned jazz musician–yet not renowned enough to earn a living in America.” This statement encapsulates the inner turmoil that haunted this musical prodigy throughout his life: a whirlwind of volatility, pain, foresight, and raw anger churned within this multifaceted man, composer, bassist, and trombonist who defied categorization and resisted being confined to a single musical genre. Despite his immense talent, true recognition only came to him later in his career.