SWEET OLD SONG

Review by Roger Ebert

“Graced with health and with art that he loved, Armstrong continued strong until the end, as we see in a remarkable film that shows him visiting festivals and workshops, giving concerts, teaching classes, hailed everywhere as the last of a legendary generation. As ebullient and strong as he was, he could not have continued that way without Barbara Ward, and she is honest and moving in the way she talks about her worries and concerns, her questions about a man of his age living such an active life.” (To read the full review click here.)

SWEET OLD SONG
PBS Viewer Comments
(Submitted to the “P.O.V.” Web site)

“After watching your story I was in tears of happiness and sorrow. I am a 30-year-old lady and I was completely moved by their spirit.” – Joyce Young

“SWEET OLD SONG is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen on PBS … Howard and Barbara Armstrong are two extremely outstanding and interesting people. I owe them and Ms. Mahan a debt of gratitude.” – Jonathan Vitt

“I cannot rave enough about how wonderful SWEET OLD SONG was to watch. Beautiful people, beautiful music, and a beautiful love story rolled into one … I laughed and cried, and I am in awe of Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong.” – Mary Paloma

“WOW! What a fabulous program I just watched! The essence of the man and his music, his love and his wisdom were captured so beautifully.” – Jane Scelzo

“It is so difficult to put into words the incredible impact this story has had on me this evening … and I am quite sure that I am just one of many that you are hearing from.” – Cindy Anderson

“It moved me on so many levels from joy to spirit to profound appreciation …” – Rick Edelstein

“I am a 25-year-old single mom and this was something my daughter could watch and really learn from … As black people it is so important to hear our story from the source … I can’t tell you enough how happy I was to see the light and talent of that man.” – Latechia Hogue

“Seldom am I so moved by something I see on television … I was fascinated and charmed by the recollections of Mr. Armstrong and the strength and dignity of his companion and friend, Ms. Barbara Ward. The love and respect these two people have for each other is inspiring.” – Mrs. J. Schrameck

SWEET OLD SONG
Critical Acclaim

“Remarkable”
ROGER EBERT

“A soulful duet”
LOS ANGELES TIMES

“Enthralling”
MONTREAL GAZETTE

“A delightful documentary”
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

“Really worth going out of your way to see”
BALTIMORE SUN

“An up-close-and-personal look at the healing powers of love and music”
CHICAGO TRIBUNE

“A love story as soft, protective and resilient as kidskin gloves”
AUSTIN CHRONICLE

“Irresistible … Don’t miss their story”
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

“A remarkable love story”
TAMPA TRIBUNE

“Enchanting”
BOSTON HERALD

“Excellent”
TV GUIDE