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
