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.
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)
