Invisible Legend Bruce Langhorne

Invisible Legend: Bruce Langhorne is set to be screened on October 17, 2026 at the UnUrban Coffee House in Santa Monica. A film by Cynthia Riddle, it tells the story of the remarkable life of Bruce Langhorne. Riddle was a longtime friend of the musician and has been writing and producing films for nearly three decades. Langhorne was born in Harlem, the film documents many of his accomplishments, such as early successes touring with Alvin Ailey as a pit musician, to backing up Bob Dylan, and other famous musicians in the ’60s, scoring popular films, and then all the way though to the 2000s after his move to Los Angeles in the ’70s. The musician was beloved in the arts community of Venice where he lived for many years to his death in 2017.

Invisible Legend Bruce Langhorne

In the ’60s, Bruce worked extensively with many well known musicians and wrote soundtracks for major movies. He played with legends such as Joan Baez, Odetta, Judy Collins, Richie Havens, and Gordon Lightfoot among others. Another one of those famous musicians was Bob Dylan who named Bruce Mr. Tambourine Man. While Bruce primarily played guitar, Dylan famously recalls needing a tambourine on a specific song and Bruce pulled out the largest tambourine he had ever seen. The Turkish frame drum made a huge impression on Dylan. He said he always remembered Bruce with that wagon wheel sized Tambourine, hence years later he wrote Mr. Tambourine Man.

Venice Beach Marching Society

I met Bruce later in life after he had lived in Venice for quite sometime. He was not only charming, but was so incredibly supportive of other musicians and singers. After all Bruce who played over 40 instruments just wanted to make music. I had the chance to sing with Bruce. My good friend Suzy Williams and I along with Erica Kazan sang together in the Venice Beach Marching Band.

Bruce formed the marching band complete with a platform on wheels featuring Keyboards and a drum kit. Each weekend it was different, at first Bruce would play keys, but often he would walk and lead the pack with other keyboardists took their turn in the spotlight along with various drummers. Also we had guest musicians come join us each weekend. See above pix, yes that is me on the right. I was an avid rollerblader when I lived in Venice. There was never a dull moment – it was so much fun!

Bruce gathered some incredibly talented musicians together as well as vocalists. It was a moving tribute to the New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. He wanted to bring awareness to New Orleans and all the musicians who were struggling from the environmental disaster.

Many of the musicians that worked with Bruce will be in attendance at this screening event, so come on down and celebrate a wonderful musician and fellow human being. His story will light up your evening. Remember, this is a sing-along screening, so get ready to participate. I’ll be there too…singing for Bruce.

Invisible Legend: Bruce Langhorne will be screened on October 17, 2026 at 7pm at the UnUrban Cafe, 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405; RSVP to Hello@InvisibleLegend.com for guaranteed seating (and for lyrics and music); Visit the website for additional information about the documentary and when and where it will screen next –https://www.invisiblelegend.com