A song first sung by enslaved people on southern plantations.
100 years later David Bowie made it his first single.
This film explores the remarkable journey of one of the most recorded, most beloved songs in American history. Fresh performances by contemporary musicians create a bold soundtrack, expanding the narrative around American music and inspiring new audiences.
Before the world knew him as David Bowie, a teenage singer-saxophone player named Davie Jones recorded his first single, “Liza Jane,” with his band The King Bees. The year: 1964. Imagine the future superstar, sitting in his flat, clutching his very first 45 rpm record.
After asking for her tambourine, Nina Simone performed “Little Liza Jane” at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival. The tune has rarely been recorded by women, but Simone’s performance is one of the most emotionally-charged versions ever produced.
Performer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte joyously sang and danced to “Liza Jane” during his 1960 CBS TV special New York 19, which was seen by upwards of thirty million viewers. The sponsor, Revlon, canceled future Belafonte shows when the performer refused to segregate his racially mixed cast.
“Liza Jane” songs were standards for folk singer Pete Seeger, who was investigated by Congress during the McCarthy Era. His pro-union version is a potent reminder that the song has often been reshaped by performers to reflect the urgency of contemporary themes.
Watch the trailer from our DC Sessions, featuring Phil Wiggins on harmonica.
Want to Learn More?
Check out co-producer Dan Gutstein’s award-winning book, Poor Gal (University Press of Mississippi, 2023), which explores the cultural history of all “Liza Jane” songs. Also check out a selected playlist of “Liza Jane” songs below.