“The King Of In Between” Documentary

The “rockumentary” film ,Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between , is currently on the festival circuit, including international screenings in Tokyo and London, with more expected to follow. The film has already garnered four festival awards so far. A limited theatrical release is planned for spring 2025, after which it will move to streaming.

Garland Jeffreys/ photo by Danny Clinch

Directed by Claire Jeffreys, Garland’s partner for more than 40 years, the documentary covers the iconic Brooklyn singer-songwriter’s life and career , including an examination of his commitment to issues of race and social justice, featured in so many of his songs. The director  hopes the film will bring a wider audience to his music – a tapestry of rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, blues, soul and reggae — and that “his perseverance will inspire people everywhere.”

The film, which also features several performances by Garland Jeffreys, has garnered extensive praise in the media, including the New York Daily News, New York Sun, Billboard and WNYC.

At The Brooklyn Music Shop /© photo by B.L.Howard

Although his singles were not widely played on Top 40 AM radio, Jeffreys has had several “turntable hits” in heavy FM radio rotation, especially during the heyday of progressive rock. These included “Wild in the Streets,” “35 Millimeter Dreams,” “R.O.C.K.,” and the international hit “Matador,” as well as his distinctive covers of “96 Tears,” “What Does It take (To Win Your Love)” and “Hail, Hail, Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

In addition, the Sheepshead Bay native has released 15 critically acclaimed albums, including 2011’s “The King of In Between,” from which the film documentary derives its title, and 2013’s “Truth Serum,” which Jeffreys spoke about in an interview with Brooklyn Roads .

Jeffreys — whose friends and admirers over the years have included the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Lou Reed and The Clash’s Joe Strummer — was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2016.  Perhaps one day soon that other hall in Cleveland will come knocking on his door.