Claire Jeffreys’ independent, crowd-funded film Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between is a love letter to her husband, underrated singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys. A regular of the New York music world in the 1960s and 1970s, Jeffreys put together 1950s R&B, rock, reggae, folk, and soul into a unique and instantly identifiable music. He was friends with Lou Reed and other luminaries in an era that set a foundation for decades of music that followed. Jeffreys encountered and influenced others, including Laurie Anderson, Bruce Springsteen, Vernon Reid, and Harvey Keitel over his 50-year career. Despite his powerful presence in the Greenwich clubs in rarefied company, Jeffreys never enjoyed the level of success of his peers.
Because his music was difficult to classify, the advertising, promotion, and radio play of his music never materialized, and he spent his life in the B-echelon of the music business. He was universally regarded as one of the best by those who knew of him, but he never got the big break. Part of the challenge for him was that he came up in a time when the music business was strictly categorized by the race of the performer, and Jeffreys defied categorization. As a light-skinned Black / White mixed-race Puerto Rican, who often claimed he was from Jamaica for attention (he was not), there was no easy slot for his music. He performed in black face make-up and masks to protest this systemic racism he suffered. His anger was also problematic and did not make him popular with record company executives. He achieved more fame in Europe, particularly with his song Matador.
Garland Jeffreys shares a joyful moment while reflecting on his international success, particularly with his hit song “Matador” in Europe.
“…Jeffreys blended 1950s R&B, rock, reggae, folk, and soul into a unique and instant identifiable music…”
At this writing in June 2025, Jeffreys, who has been suffering from Alzheimer’s, is now in the final stages of the disease. Claire wanted to get this film finished and into the world while Garland was still alive. Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band is a co-executive producer on the project along with his wife, Maureen Van Zandt. Interviews are featured with Laurie Anderson, Bruce Springsteen, Vernon Reid, and Harvey Keitel. Claire also introduces their daughter, Savannah Jeffreys, who is pursuing her own career in entertainment as a writer, singer, and producer.
It is clear that if Jeffreys were just coming to his music career now, he would do very well. Music is more heterogeneous in styles, and the culture in general is maturing around racial acceptance (but, clearly, still has a long way to go). He would find his audience. With the advent of this documentary, he may yet find an audience that missed him, even all these years later. His music still sounds fresh, and his deeply personal themes are just as relevant now, if not more so. Jeffreys is also a perfect match for a new generation of listeners finding him through streaming music.
This film did for me what a quality documentary should do: I was introduced to a man and his music that I had never heard of. It’s clear that I should have heard of him. His artistry is equal to or better than much more famous people. If you, like me, bear the shame of not having heard of Garland Jeffreys, then Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between is required viewing. Enjoy the music, meet the man, and fold his legacy into your life. He will add a star to your night sky.
Streaming on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu in August
"…A brilliant love letter to her husband singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys"
