Streaming availability in United States
Where to Watch St. Louis Blues (1958)
The glitter and glory story of the man whose rhythm and blues beat became all America's heartbeat!
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.
DramaHistory 105 min
Where to Watch
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