Release Date

07 Apr, 1958

Runtime

01:45: (HH:MM)

Synopsis

The glitter and glory story of the man whose rhythm and blues beat became all America's heartbeat!

Will Handy grows up in Memphis with his preacher father and his Aunt Hagar. His father intends for him to use his musical gifts only in church, but he can't stay away from the music of the streets and workers. After he writes a theme song for a local politician, Gogo, a speakeasy singer, convinces Will to be her accompanist. Will is estranged from his father for many years while he writes and publishes many blues songs. At last the family is reunited when Gogo brings them to New York to see Will's music played by a symphony orchestra.

Photos

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Actors

Nat King Cole

Eartha Kitt

Cab Calloway

Ella Fitzgerald

Mahalia Jackson

Ruby Dee

Juano Hernández

Teddy Buckner

Barney Bigard

George 'Red' Callender

Lee Young

George Washington

Billy Preston

Pearl Bailey

Crew

Hal Pereira

Nelson Riddle

Roland Anderson

Eda Warren

Edith Head

Wally Westmore

Haskell B. Boggs

Nellie Manley

Robert R. Benton

Sam Comer

Robert Smith

W.C. Handy

Allen Reisner

Martha Koenig