The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
Queen Latifah
as Bessie Smith
Mo'Nique
as Ma Rainey
Mike Epps
as Richard
Tika Sumpter
as Lucille
Michael Kenneth Williams
as Jack Gee
Charles S. Dutton
as William 'Pa' Rainey
Bryan Greenberg
as John Hammond
Oliver Platt
as Carl Van Vechten
Khandi Alexander
as Viola
Tory Kittles
as Clarence
Joe Knezevich
as Frank Walker
Jeremie Harris
as Langston Hughes
