St. Louis Blues

1h 45min

Drama

History

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

Nat King Cole

W.C. Handy
Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt

Gogo Germaine
Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson

Bessie May
Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee

Elizabeth
Juano Hernández

Juano Hernández

Rev. Charles Handy
Lee Young

Lee Young

Musician
Billy Preston

Billy Preston

Will Handy as a Boy
Pearl Bailey

Pearl Bailey

Aunt Hagar

Release date

7th Apr 1958

Status

Released

Spoken languages

English