Rick Bogart marks nearly 50-year career with new documentary and two albums

Clarinetist and vocalist Rick Bogart is being featured in a new Birdland documentary as he adds two new albums to a catalog that is now up for Grammy consideration. The projects spotlight a career that began in New Orleans and later stretched from Bourbon Street to long-running New York and Atlantic City engagements.

Why it matters: - Rick Bogart’s latest releases extend a nearly 50-year career built across New Orleans, New York and international stages. - The new documentary and albums could broaden attention for Bogart’s work as Arabesque Records pushes multiple projects into Grammy season. - The releases also preserve a working-jazz story centered on club residencies, live performance and a traditional standards repertoire.

What happened: - A new documentary, “Rick Bogart, Bogart at Birdland: A Jazz Journey,” is out in 2026. - The 1-hour, 19-minute film follows Bogart’s path from the clubs of 1970s New Orleans to Birdland in New York. - The film includes performances, tributes and a conversation with Birdland owner Gianni Valenti. - The Birdland project joins Bogart’s earlier documentary, “Rick Bogart, From Bourbon St. to Carnegie Hall.” - Bogart also released two new CDs this month.

The details: - Bogart first built his career in New Orleans, where he worked on Bourbon Street with major stars, bands and specialty acts. - He became the youngest bandleader ever to lead the house band at The Famous Door, a prominent Bourbon Street club. - Bogart’s vocals and clarinet playing helped define the next 10 years of his career before he shifted his focus to New York and international work. - A planned single welcome-home concert in Atlantic City turned into a 16-year residency at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino. - During that residency, Bogart released roughly 10 recordings. - Bogart still performs a dance routine he learned from comedian George Burns. - His catalog now includes five additional recordings, including the two new releases. - Arabesque Records is planning a Christmas holiday release and an album titled “Bogart Sings Broadway.” - The label has submitted “The Clarinet Is Still King” and “Bogart Sings As Time Goes By and Other Romantic Classics” for Grammy consideration next February. - Arabesque Records also submitted “Rick Bogart, From Bourbon St. to Carnegie Hall” for best film or video. - Bogart’s documentaries are available on Apple, Tubi, Amazon Prime, Roku and Fawesome. - Bogart’s music is available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube.

Between the lines: - The Birdland film frames Bogart as a keeper of jazz tradition, not just a performer with a long résumé. - The new projects suggest a strategy that pairs recorded music with film to keep Bogart visible across streaming platforms and awards channels. - The emphasis on New Orleans, Birdland and Carnegie Hall ties Bogart’s career to landmark venues that carry cultural weight in jazz.

What's next: - Arabesque Records plans to continue releasing new material, including a Christmas project and “Bogart Sings Broadway.” - Grammy nominees will be decided next February, putting Bogart’s latest recordings and earlier film entry into the next awards cycle. - Bogart is expected to keep touring, composing and creating as the new releases reach streaming and music platforms.