The documentary brings alive the untold story of William Henry "Chick" Webb, the "little giant" who taught himself to drum and taught the rest of the world to swing.

'The Savoy King', directed and produced by Jeff Kaufman, weaves together newly filmed stories from remarkable people who knew Chick at every phase of his life, including drummers Louie Bellson and Roy Haynes, with quotes from some of the greatest figures in Jazz history.

Bill Cosby is voicing the words of Chick Webb, Tyne Daly is the voice of jazz publicist Helen Oakley Dance, Ron Perlman is Gene Krupa, Andy Garcia is Mario Bauzá, and Danny Glover is Count Basie. The film also features John Legend, Janet Jackson, and Billy Crystal.

Savoy Ballroom
The Savoy Ballroom was the home of the amazing Lindy Hop dancers, and the first venue in America where Blacks and Whites could dance and socialize together. It had a huge, but largely unheralded social impact.

Chick Webb
Although Chick Webb developed spinal tuberculosis at a young age and was in constant pain, he virtually invented modern drumming and was leading Savoy Ballroom’s house band, the hottest band of the 1930s.

Chick's brief, inspiring life illuminates the society-changing power of music.

'The Savoy King' will screen on Saturday, September 29th (noon) at the Walter Reade Theater (165 West 65th Street on the north side between Broadway & Amsterdam, upper level;) and on Tuesday October 2nd (3:30) Francesca Beale Theater (144 West 65th Street on the south side between Broadway & Amsterdam). More info on screening and tickets at savoyking.com