St. Louis Blues ( 1958 )

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.

Top Cast

Nat King Cole

W.C. Handy

Eartha Kitt

Gogo Germaine

Cab Calloway

Blade

Ella Fitzgerald

Singer

Mahalia Jackson

Bessie May

Ruby Dee

Elizabeth

Juano Hernández

Rev. Charles Handy

Teddy Buckner

Musician

Barney Bigard

Musician

George 'Red' Callender

Musician

Lee Young

Musician

George Washington

Musician

Billy Preston

Will Handy as a Boy

Pearl Bailey

Aunt Hagar