Diallo Javonne French: Capturing Kansas City's Musical Soul Through Film and Photography artwork
The Big Break

Diallo Javonne French: Capturing Kansas City's Musical Soul Through Film and Photography

  • S1E3
  • 40:32
  • October 8th 2024

In this episode, we get a peak into the life of filmmaker and photographer Diallo Javonne French, a Kansas City native with a passion for preserving the city’s rich jazz history. Diallo shares his unique journey from musician to visual storyteller, focusing on his dedication to documenting the timelessness of jazz through black-and-white photography.

Diallo also opens up about the challenges of filmmaking, from securing funding to navigating music licensing, with a spotlight on his latest documentary, "Kansas City Dreaming".

Tune in to hear Diallo's stories from working in the 1990s Atlanta music scene, including moments spent on TLC music video sets and encounters with legends like Tupac. This episode is a celebration of one artist's commitment to preserving Kansas City's musical legacy for future generations to come.

The Big Break

Welcome to The Big Break podcast, where we delve into the rich history of jazz, to celebrate artists, entrepreneurs and jazz enthusiasts alike.

Join our host, Dr. Dina Bennett, well known ethnomusicologist and Executive Director of The American Jazz Museum, on a journey into the stories behind the art.