Fat Boy: The Billy Stewart Story
Billy Stewart (1937 - 1970)
The charismatic and electrifying Billy Stewart is considered one of the most prolific and stylish rhythm and blues singers of the 1960s. The documentary
"Fat Boy: The Billy Stewart Story" will air on 102 PBS stations nationwide. The schedules will be posted on APT (American Public Television) after January 25.
https://www.aptonline.org/catalog/FAT-BOY-THE-BILLY-STEWART-STORY
The trailer can be seen here.
With funding by HumanitiesDC, "Fat Boy: The Billy Stewart Story" explores the journey of this incredible singer from his days as a young piano player to a famous R&B balladeer. His electrifying and unique style of singing was untouchable as he mastered word doubling and scatting throughout his songs and performances. His original hits include “I Do Love You”, “Sitting in The Park” and his masterful remake of the Gershwin tune “Summertime”.
Produced and directed by Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker Beverly Lindsay-Johnson through her company Kendall Productions LLC, under the fiscal sponsorship of the African American Music Association (AAMA) of Washington, DC, the documentary is filled with exuberant imagery and actual footage from Billy Stewart’s early years, including a special interviews with family, friends and music colleagues including legendary singers Sugar Pie DeSanto, Mitty Collier. “Little Anthony” of Doo-Wop legends, Little Anthony and The Imperials, who recounts the 30-day cross-country concert tour he and Billy Stewart performed on the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars in the 1960s. An amazing and original talent gone too soon. Mr. Stewart was tragically killed, on January 17, 1970 in Smithfield, North Carolina in route to a performance in Columbia, South Carolina. He and 3 of his band members plunged into the Neuse River in Smithfield, killing all occupants as the car sank. “Never before seen” clips of 16mm films of Billy Stewart with his family, performing in various night clubs as well as his funeral are included.
A special bonus segment titled “Keeping the Legacy of Billy Stewart” describes the influence Billy Stewart and his music of the 1960s has on contemporary artists of R&B, Hip Hop and Go-Go music
About Kendall Productions, LLC: A multimedia production company providing professional services in film, video, entertainment management and consulting, and public relations. Beverly Lindsay-Johnson is President of Kendall Productions, LLC located in Washington, DC. Beverly Lindsay-Johnson has 24 years as a seasoned documentary producer. She received the 2006 Emmy Award as Producer of the documentary “Dance Party: The Teenarama Story” (PBS). She has received 24 media awards for Broadcast Excellence for her productions at WHUT-TV Howard University Television in Washington, DC and her independent productions.
WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington, DC is a media promotional partner for “Fat Boy: The Billy Stewart Story”
"Outstanding......awesome production!" Denise Reed
"Wonderful!" Judi Moore Latta, Ph.D.
"I learned so much and went straight to Amazon to get me some more Billy Stewart. I loved it." John Avery
"Excellent doc, I'm loving it." Generaltarik
Fat Boy: The Billy Stewart Story Trailer
