@historigins I loved him. He was one my favorites of all time. Here’s a clip of his answer when asked what he would have to say to those who thought the idea of the film was “disgusting”.
In the 1950s, Ella Fitzgerald was not allowed to play Hollywood's most popular nightclub, Mocambo, because of her race.
Marilyn Monroe, who was a big fan, called the owner & told him that if he booked Ella, Marilyn would be there every night - which guaranteed huge press coverage.
He booked Ella and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. Ella said, "After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman - a little ahead of her times. And she didn't know it."