St. Louis Blues
movie

The glitter and glory story of the man whose rhythm and blues beat became all America's heartbeat!
Released April 07, 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.
Cast

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
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Teddy Buckner
as
Musician
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Barney Bigard
as
Musician
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George 'Red' Callender
as
Musician
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Lee Young
as
Musician
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George Washington
as
Musician
Crew
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Hal Pereira
as
Art Direction

Nelson Riddle
as
Music
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Roland Anderson
as
Art Direction
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Eda Warren
as
Editor

Edith Head
as
Costume Design

Wally Westmore
as
Makeup Designer
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Haskell B. Boggs
as
Cinematography
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Nellie Manley
as
Hair Designer
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Robert R. Benton
as
Set Decoration

Sam Comer
as
Set Decoration
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Robert Smith
as
Producer
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W.C. Handy
as
Music