Apple greenlights 'Black & Blues: The Colorful Ballad of Louis Armstrong' documentary

Apple TV+ has given a green light to its Louis Armstrong documentary feature, "Black & Blues: The Colorful Ballad of Louis Armstrong."

The documentary is being produced under Apple's first look deal with Imagine Documentaries. Under the terms of that agreement, Apple gets first right of refusal for new projects developed by the entertainment company.

Described as a definitive look at Louis Armstrong's life and legacy as "a founding father of jazz, the first pop star and a cultural ambassador of the United States."

"He was loved by millions worldwide but often mischaracterized for not doing enough to support the civil rights movement. In reality, his fight for social justice was fueled by his celebrity and his willingness to break his silence on issues of segregation and patriotism," Apple said of the film.

The documentary is being made with the full support of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, giving the production access to archival materials, audio records, photographs, personal diaries, and other resources.

"Black & Blues: The Colorful Ballad of Louis Armstrong" will be directed by Emmy-nominated Sacha Jenkins, known for "Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men." It will be produced by Jenkins, Julie Anderson, Sara Bernstein, and Justin Wilkes. Brian Grazer and Ron Howard of Imagine Entertainment will executive produce.

The series will join an expanding slate of original documentary and unscripted content on Apple TV+ that also includes "Billie Eilish: The World's A Little Blurry," "Beastie Boys Story," and "Boys State."