After some research in our archives, a rare and captivating moment from Jazz Middelheim 1973 has resurfaced: footage of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie in his element, blending masterful musicianship with his signature charm. Though he only performed at the festival twice (in 1973 and 1989), his presence left an unforgettable mark.

In this recording from Tienerklanken (a program run by the former BRT) we see Dizzy not just as a jazz icon but as an entertainer. At one point, he engages in a playful back-and-forth with a sound technician, all because of his distinctive tone. His high-register playing required a unique microphone setup, but when he tried to speak to the audience, things didn’t quite go as planned - resulting in a funny exchange that perfectly captures his larger-than-life personality.

The real highlight of the video is his performance of Olinga, a composition deeply tied to his spiritual beliefs. A devoted follower of the Bahá’í faith since the 1960s, Gillespie was drawn to its principles of unity, equality, and world peace. The piece, named after Bahá’í figure Ebénezer Olinga, reflects this philosophy through its rich interplay between band members. Guitarist Al Gafa, pianist Mike Longo, bassist Earl May, and drummer Mickey Roker create a vibrant groove, while Gillespie, at one point, even shows his religious amulet to the camera: a subtle yet powerful nod to the spirituality that infused his life and music.

And, of course, no footage of Dizzy Gillespie would be complete without a glimpse of his famous balloon-like cheeks, which make a brief but iconic appearance.

This recording is a small window into Gillespie’s world: his humour, beliefs, and unparalleled mastership of his instruments, all wrapped into one extraordinary moment at the grounds of Jazz Middelheim.