Released:
1935-09-12

Overview:
A rising nineteen-year-old singer by the name of Billie Holiday made her screen debut in this musical landmark, which features Duke Ellington and his orchestra performing his symphonic jazz piece “A Rhapsody of Negro Life” set to scenes of everyday African American life.

Director:
Fred Waller

Runtime:
0h 9min

Genre:
Music, Drama

• Cast:
• 
  Duke Ellington
  as
  Self
• 
  Billie Holiday
  as
  Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)
• 
  Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker
  as
  Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)
• 
  Barney Bigard
  as
  Self - Clarinet (uncredited)
• 
  Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton
  as
  Self - Trombone (uncredited)