

105 minutes
4/7/1958
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.

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

Ruby Dee
as Elizabeth

Juano Hernández
as Rev. Charles Handy
Teddy Buckner
as Musician
Barney Bigard
as Musician
George 'Red' Callender
as Musician
Lee Young
as Musician
George Washington
as Musician

Billy Preston
as Will Handy as a Boy

Pearl Bailey
as Aunt Hagar