93, in poor health and still cultivating talent well into his tenure, KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON explores music legend Clark Terry‘s relationship with a 23-year-old blind piano prodigy, Justin Kauflin.

 The first instructor of Quincy Jones and mentor to Miles Davis, Terry’s legend extends beyond his musical teaching. In the 1960s Terry became the first African-American staff musician at NBC on The Tonight Show, and is also one of the few performers who has played in both Count Basie’s and Duke Ellington’s bands.

Shot over five years, KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON documents Terry working with the gifted Kauflin, who suffers from crippling stage fright.

Spending his life mentoring the most influential musicians in jazz history, Terry must now face his own health issues, while helping Kauflin prepare for an elite jazz competition. As the narrative unfolds, we see two friends confront the toughest challenges of their lives.

In this story of friendship, determination and jazz, see how a legend continues to leave his mark on music and mentor the next generation of emerging talent. 

Alan Hicks’, a former student of Terry’s, debut film is produced by Quincy Jones and Paula DuPre’ Pesman, the producer behind the Academy Award© winning documentary THE COVE and the Oscar nominated documentary CHASING ICE.