In the summer of 1980, a shocking incident involving Richard Pryor, a comedian known for his unfiltered humor, became a vivid memory for a 12-year-old boy. Pryor, in a drug-induced state, set himself on fire, running down Parthenia Street until someone intervened. This comedian, who fearlessly tackled taboo subjects, was a hero to many, including young fans like the author and his friends.
Fast forward five years. Richard Pryor was embarking on a deeply personal project: his autobiographical film, “Jojo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling.” While working on this movie, Pryor was watching television and stumbled upon an interview featuring jazz musician Charlie Haden, the author’s father. The interview, conducted by CBS sports anchor and jazz enthusiast Roy Firestone, depicted Haden’s journey through drug addiction and his triumphant return to music and family life.
The next day, Charlie Haden received an unexpected phone call. It was Richard Pryor. Pryor, deeply moved and identifying with Haden’s struggles, saw a kindred spirit. He was making “Jojo Dancer,” a film that delved into similar inner conflicts, and he wanted Charlie to compose the soundtrack.
An agreement was reached, contracts were signed, and Charlie Haden began crafting the music for “Jojo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling.” Studio time was booked, musicians, a string orchestra, and a choir were assembled. The score Charlie created was, by all accounts, beautiful. He even shared snippets with his then 17-year-old son from a cassette tape, filled with melodies intended for the Jojo Dancer Movie.
On one occasion, Charlie had a meeting with Mr. Pryor at Columbia Pictures and brought his son along. The author recalls shaking Richard Pryor’s hand and being introduced to a vibrant young woman. Later, commenting on Pryor’s “pretty daughter,” he was corrected by his father: that was Richard’s wife, not his daughter!
The project brought financial relief to the Haden family. Charlie purchased a brand new television set for their home, a symbol of his success and the promise of the jojo dancer movie project.
However, the elation was short-lived. After Charlie submitted the final mix, before the film entered post-production, студийные executives made a decision that would change everything. The studio heads at Columbia Pictures, as relayed by Charlie, decided not to use his score. Their reasoning was blunt: “Jojo Dancer” was deemed “an African American film,” and therefore, the composer should also be African American. This decision was made despite Richard Pryor’s objections.
Richard Pryor in Jojo Dancer Movie
Ironically, Charlie Haden didn’t express bitterness about the decision. He had already been paid $40,000 for his work, a significant sum, equivalent to around $115,000 today. “Jojo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling” was released on May 2, 1986, with a new score composed by the acclaimed Herbie Hancock. While Hancock’s score is undoubtedly brilliant, the story of Charlie Haden’s lost soundtrack for the jojo dancer movie remains a poignant footnote in Hollywood history.
The author expresses a desire to one day find the cassette tape containing his father’s compositions for “Jojo Dancer.” It would be a remarkable discovery, offering a glimpse into what could have been and preserving a piece of Charlie Haden’s artistic legacy connected to the jojo dancer movie.
The original article also mentions documents related to Charlie Haden’s work on the film and other unreleased projects, found in legal paperwork. It concludes with a call to support the preservation of Charlie Haden’s estate and the author’s book writing project by subscribing to his Substack. This untold story of the jojo dancer movie soundtrack serves as a reminder of the often unseen creative endeavors and the complex dynamics within the film industry.
