Director’s Statement:

I first met Roy Hargrove in 1990. My aunt took me to see his show at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. I had gone with my aunt to see many of the jazz greats play but this would be the first time I was seeing musicians that were in my age group play jazz. I recognized Roy’s greatness the very first time I heard a note come out of his trumpet. Over the years Roy and I would develop a very strong bond and  friendship. After I graduated from college I began a career in the music industry and eventually went on to work in PR and special events where I would hire Roy to play at many of my parties. In July 2016 I asked Roy if I could make a documentary about his life he said yes and the two of us began to develop our concept for the next year and a half before we started shooting January 2018. Throughout 2018 I would shoot with Roy in eight cities and three countries including six of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Little did we know that we were actually making a film about the last year of Roy‘s life. We had been friends for 28 years at the time of his death.  

This film chronicles the journey of trumpet legend Roy Hargrove’s last year as he embarks on his final European summer tour while reflecting on his life and the wisdom he wants to impart on young musicians.

Roy is celebrated through priceless footage of his final days and treasured memories from music industry icons. Beyond the story of one man’s life, Hargrove reveals the intricate role of Jazz music and culture throughout American history.

Directed by Eliane Henri.