Marcus Belgrave made his professional debut at 12, played with Ray Charles and Charles Mingus, recorded with Motown’s Funk Brothers, and mentored generations of Detroit musicians. You’ve probably never heard of him.

That’s the story behind AND DAMN, HE COULD PLAY, a new documentary premiering at DOC NYC next month. Directed by Emmy winner Timashion Jones, the film traces Belgrave’s decades-long career and his massive influence on jazz, despite rarely getting mainstream recognition.

Belgrave was mentored by trumpet legend Clifford Brown and became a guiding force in Detroit’s jazz scene through his teaching and work with the arts collective Tribe. His students include Geri Allen, Kenny Garrett, James Carter, Regina Carter, and Theo Croker.

The 91-minute film features archival performances and interviews with Wynton Marsalis, Don Was, Terence Blanchard, Sheila Jordan, Carl Craig, and Belgrave’s widow Joan, among others. Wendell Pierce narrates.

Jones, a Detroit filmmaker, has directed over eighteen films including the Emmy-winning Cody High: A Life Remodeled Project. He’s also a founder of The Collective Studios, a 12,000 square foot production facility making professional filmmaking more accessible to local creators.

The world premiere hits DOC NYC on November 13 at 7 PM, with a Q&A following. It’s a rare spotlight on an artist who shaped the sound of jazz from the shadows.