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This is the opening for a recent documentary about Joe Lee Wilson by Yves Breux and Brad Scott. The film follows Joe Lee in Paris, New York, Oklahama and Brighton, UK. This is a serious portrait of an underrated artist, better know by his fellow musicians than by the public. Born in Oklahoma, seeing Billie Holiday perform in 1951 began his jazz odyssey. Joe Lee Wilson studied in Los Angeles with Mario Lanza, spent time touring the West Coast and Mexico where he sang with jazz diva Sarah Vaughan, then moved to New York in the 60s where he worked with Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders and Jackie McLean. He was one of the originators of the New York jazz loft scene in the 70's, performing and recording with artists such as Archie Shepp, Eddie Jefferson, Freddie Hubbard and Kenny Dorham. This video has been uploaded with the permission of Joe Lee and Jill Wilson. After some time away due to ill health, Joe Lee is returning to the stage with a live performance at The Basement, Bright
