Wesley Willis: The Daddy of Rock 'n' Roll

Wesley Willis: The Daddy of Rock 'n' Roll

  • Overview
  • Cast
  • Crew
  • Recommendations

Status

Released

Release Date

Apr 22, 2003

Runtime

0h 59m

Genres

Documentary, Music

User Score

72%

Original Title

Wesley Willis: The Daddy of Rock 'n' Roll

Director

Daniel Bitton

Description

Documentary about the late Chicago artist and musician Wesley Willis. Filmmaker Daniel Bitton follows Willis throughout the Chicago area, riding the bus, talking to friends and strangers alike, selling his CDs to record shops, and going about his day. Willis was memorable to many for being schizophrenic as well as 6'6" and over 300 pounds but was loved by his fans and friends for his quirky, oddball music, artistic talent, and for being a real gentle giant. He was a testament to the human drive to survive and create, as he himself was a survivor of extreme poverty, mental illness, child abuse, racism, and obesity. The fact that he lived to see 40 was incredible, but his having a successful music career and being able to function was even more so.