IMDb RATING
7.7/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
A documentary that follows jazz legend Clark Terry over four years to document the mentorship between Terry and 23-year-old blind piano prodigy Justin Kauflin as the young man prepares to co... Read allA documentary that follows jazz legend Clark Terry over four years to document the mentorship between Terry and 23-year-old blind piano prodigy Justin Kauflin as the young man prepares to compete in an elite, international competition.A documentary that follows jazz legend Clark Terry over four years to document the mentorship between Terry and 23-year-old blind piano prodigy Justin Kauflin as the young man prepares to compete in an elite, international competition.
- Awards
- 14 wins & 8 nominations total
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
10dnagao
A truly remarkable and inspiring documentary. I knew nothing of Clark Terry's history and impact in Jazz and felt the film captured a truly remarkable individual, both as an artist and human being. Outstanding work by the producer, editor and film maker. It's a great reflection on human struggles, hard work, family, friends and individuals who make an impact on one another. It's also great as it subtly compares how people deal with adversity and the encouragement they receive from others. We lose sight of what is really important in life and KOKO makes you reflect on your own struggles, defeats and victories. I found it hard to believe that Al Hicks was new to this field. He does a fantastic job. The film should be seen by Jazz lovers as well as any person who appreciates an honest, touching and inspiring film about "good" people. My hats off to the crew, CT and Justin!
10betsyrc
This is a heart-warming, even encouraging film. I saw it this afternoon at the SB Int. Film Festival on the recommendation of a friend. Not a musician, I learned a lot about jazz, about musicians and, especially, about friendship and mentoring. Others have told the story of Clark Terry and Justin Kauflin, so I won't repeat it. What it's really about is friendship and generosity and caring and love. With archival photos as well as scenes from the Montreux Jazz Festival, and made thanks to the generosity of many, including Kickstarter supporters, and especially Quincy Jones, over the course of four years, this first film by the director is a jewel of a film, deserving of wide viewing.
Keep on keepin' on is a project that took over 4 years of filming, and another 2 years of editing. A labor of love, this is a monumental work of film making history. The film crew often slept on the sofa of Clark Terry's house, and matched their hours to those of the nocturnal Mr. Terry - who often teaches his students in after midnight sessions.
Jazz great Clark Terry is a national treasure, and has taught thousands of students for over 7 decades - a legacy of music. Many of his students, such as Quincy Jones and Miles Davis, have had stellar careers.
Highly recommend this very uplifting and inspiring documentary! I have seen it twice, and look forward to seeing it many more times.
Jazz great Clark Terry is a national treasure, and has taught thousands of students for over 7 decades - a legacy of music. Many of his students, such as Quincy Jones and Miles Davis, have had stellar careers.
Highly recommend this very uplifting and inspiring documentary! I have seen it twice, and look forward to seeing it many more times.
10jazbase
I strongly encourage everyone to see this film. It is moving, human, honest, humbling, and illustrates the power of love, music and friendship that knows no bounds. There could be no more a giving person in jazz over the last 50 years than Clark Terry, and no harder working, loyal, gifted friend to him than Justin Kauflin. And to hear Justin play piano is another beautiful, emotionally powerful aspect of the film. To see Clark Terry going through such difficult health issues and see the power of Justin's friendship and how it brought meaning and a reason for Clark to want to live was overwhelming in its beauty. I felt humbled and blessed for having seen it, and will certainly see it again...and again.
Excellent movie, uplifting, inspirational, and brave. Will leave you thinking and feeling better about humanity. Do not want to add more to what others have posted but in general for both Jazz and music lovers and also people interested in movies about the human spirit. Clark Terry was a mentor to many of the current Jazz greats and he continues to mentor up and coming musicians despite being in his 90's and in poor health. Justin is a young pianist who lost his sight when he was 11 and aims to be a top jazz pianist. Movies details their lives and relationship and their trial and tribulations.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Did you know
- TriviaClark Terry was a huge influence on Miles Davis.
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $163,745
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $12,930
- Sep 21, 2014
- Gross worldwide
- $163,745
- Runtime
- 1h 24m(84 min)
- Color
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content