Tonight, as part of our annual UMOJA! Black History Month programming, THIRTEEN will be premiering The Unforgettable Hampton Family, a documentary exploring how Deacon Clark Hampton, a son of slaves, lifted his twelve children out of poverty by making them into successful musicians.

Inside Thirteen recently spoke with The Unforgettable Hampton Family‘s producer, writer, and director Julie Cohen to discuss the film and the impact the Hampton family had on jazz music.

The Unforgettable Hampton Family airs tonight at 10:30 on THIRTEEN.

Ms. Cohen answered our questions via email.

Inside Thirteen: What first interested you in making a film about the Hampton family?

Julie Cohen: I met Dawn Hampton while I was making another documentary, about the swing dancer Frankie Manning. I saw her dance down the church aisles at Frankie’s memorial service, I went to one of her popular dance seminars, and I heard her jazz whistling. Dawn had so much talent, zest, and joie de vivre that I wanted to learn more about her. When I found out she was from a huge, talented family, the sister of the jazz trombone virtuoso Locksley “Slide” Hampton, I was even more intrigued. Then, when I saw some footage of her older sisters performing their swinging bass and piano duet of “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” in their 80s and 90s, I was sold.

IT: How big of an impact did the Hamptons have on American music, particularly jazz?

JC: The Hampton siblings – and their kids and even grandkids – have made their mark in many different areas of the jazz world, from traditional big band swing, to more experimental jazz to cabaret singing. Between them, they’ve worked alongside many of the jazz greats spanning eight decades. Not a lot of families can say that!

IT: Are any parallels ever drawn between the Hampton family and more recent groups of family performers (such as the Jacksons)?

JC: Some people have made that comparison. Obviously, both are very large and very musically talented families, but I don’t think there are too many other similarities. The Hamptons grew up in a whole different era, and as talented as they are, most of the brothers and sisters didn’t become particularly rich or famous. And the Hampton kids managed to avoid the pitfalls many musicians fall into.

IT: Did Clark Hampton receive criticism for starting his children in the music business at such an early age?

JC: Yes, the Hampton parents did get some criticism, not so much for having their children perform from a young age, but for taking them out of school to go on the road. But as you’ll see in the film, Clark was very serious about educating his kids. He himself was self-educated, and he taught his kids not only music, but also English, history and math. From what I’ve seen, his book lessons and life lessons stood them in good stead.

IT: What message do you hope viewers will take from the film?

JC: As with any documentary, there are different messages viewers could take from this film. I hope it shows the unexpected bonds a love of music can forge. Interviewing Dawn Hampton alongside Freeman Gunter, one of her biggest fans from the gay nightclub scene in Greenwich Village in the 60’s and 70’s was a great reminder of this. Here are two people from completely different worlds: an African American woman who spent her childhood in poverty traveling the carnival circuit in rural America, and a white urban gay man. But somehow, through Dawn’s music, and mutual respect and acceptance, they found a deep connection.

But this film isn’t primarily meant to impart messages. I just hope viewers enjoy the opportunity to spend a little time with an extraordinary family, learn their story, and hear some “burnin’ music,” as Dawn’s grand nephew Darius Hampton puts it.