Released:
1958-04-07

Overview:
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.

Director:
Allen Reisner

Runtime:
1h 45min

Genre:
Drama, History

• Cast:
• 
  Nat King Cole
  as
  W.C. Handy
• 
  Eartha Kitt
  as
  Gogo Germaine
• 
  Cab Calloway
  as
  Blade
• 
  Ella Fitzgerald
  as
  Singer
• 
  Mahalia Jackson
  as
  Bessie May