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.
W.C. Handy
Gogo Germaine
Blade
Singer
Bessie May
Elizabeth
Rev. Charles Handy
Musician
Musician
Musician
Musician
Musician
Will Handy as a Boy
Aunt Hagar
Art Direction
Music
Art Direction
Editor
Costume Design
Makeup Designer
Cinematography
Hair Designer
Set Decoration
Set Decoration
Producer
Music
Director
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Songs
Writer
Writer