I strongly encourage everyone to see this film. It is moving, human, honest, humbling, and illustrates the power of love, music and friendship that knows no bounds. There could be no more a giving person in jazz over the last 50 years than Clark Terry, and no harder working, loyal, gifted friend to him than Justin Kauflin. And to hear Justin play piano is another beautiful, emotionally powerful aspect of the film. To see Clark Terry going through such difficult health issues and see the power of Justin's friendship and how it brought meaning and a reason for Clark to want to live was overwhelming in its beauty. I felt humbled and blessed for having seen it, and will certainly see it again...and again.

This is an extraordinary movie. It is a documentary about Clark Terry (CT) a well respected jazz musician. Who until this documentary, I hadn't heard of. I would describe this documentary as a love story of his music students about their teacher, Clark Terry (CT).

I learned in this documentary that Clark Terry is about 93 years old. He's well respected in his field. He has played in many jazz bands from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, the Tonight Show Bands, etc. He's received many accolades over the years. Both Quincy Jones and Miles Davis call Clark Terry their first mentor. He's a musician's musician. But Mr. CT is also a teacher and has taught for decades thousands of students. The document shows you how he teaches one of his students Justin Kauflin a 23 year old who happens to be blind. The entire story is uplifting and inspirational.

Not only is it a great story, the archive film footage is exceptional and rare. Whether you like jazz or not this is a great story for anyone to enjoy. I highly recommend watching this film.

"Keep on Keepin On" is a documentary that beautifully depicts the relationship between iconic trumpet player Clark Terry, and his protégé, aspiring 26 year old pianist Justin Kauflin. In an interesting parallel, Kauflin went blind at a young age, and aging Terry ("CT") is in the process of losing his sight from diabetes. What comes through in the movie is the kinship between the two men, as well as with other members of the jazz community, as they pass along wisdom through the generations. It turns out that the first "student" that Clark Terry ever had in his long career was a young wet behind the ears trumpet player named Quincy Jones. Kauflin and Terry develop a father-son type of bond, as we watch Terry struggle with health problems, and Kauflin attempt to establish himself as a successful jazz pianist.

The one problem I had with the documentary, was that we learn much more about Justin the person than we do about Justin the musician. While obviously he is a highly gifted musician, there was so little footage of Kauflin performing on stage (or with a group), I left the film without any real sense of his strengths as a jazz musician. For example, is a composer? Is he a future bandleader who makes everyone around him better? Is his forte that of reworking the classics? I frankly have no idea. As an example, there may have been many trumpeters who could play faster, or cleaner than a young Miles Davis. But none of them could have produced "Kind of Blue" or "Sketches of Spain". The documentary told me that Justin Kauflin is a great person, but who is he as a musician?

A truly remarkable and inspiring documentary. I knew nothing of Clark Terry's history and impact in Jazz and felt the film captured a truly remarkable individual, both as an artist and human being. Outstanding work by the producer, editor and film maker. It's a great reflection on human struggles, hard work, family, friends and individuals who make an impact on one another. It's also great as it subtly compares how people deal with adversity and the encouragement they receive from others. We lose sight of what is really important in life and KOKO makes you reflect on your own struggles, defeats and victories. I found it hard to believe that Al Hicks was new to this field. He does a fantastic job. The film should be seen by Jazz lovers as well as any person who appreciates an honest, touching and inspiring film about "good" people. My hats off to the crew, CT and Justin!

This journey of friendship, regardless of your interest in or love of music, was a story which grabs your soul and swells your being with strength and sheer appreciation of life. These two incredibly gifted musicians were so aptly portrayed as selfless humanitarians who bring to the audience an intimate insight into their lives, intertwined with the exceptional musical talents they both so modestly reveal. Hard to conceive modesty emanating from someone who played with Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and taught the likes of Quincy Jones and Miles Davis, but Clark Terry is just such a man. His latest student, Justin Kauflin, is an inspiration himself, despite his blindness, showcasing the excellence of his gifts as a pianist, guided by the exceptional musical teachings and life lessons from "CT". Their synchronicity shines; You cannot leave the theatre without tears, smiles and the education gleaned from the strength of positive thinking and faith in humanity.