St. Louis Blues

Story

Synopsis

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.

Director

Allen Reisner

Writers

Spencer Williams, Martha Koenig, Ted Sherdeman

Language

English

Country

United States of America

Release date

7 April 1958

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Nat King Cole

  W.C. Handy

• 

  Eartha Kitt

  Gogo Germaine

• 

  Cab Calloway

  Blade

• 

  Ella Fitzgerald

  Singer

• 

  Mahalia Jackson

  Bessie May

• 

  Ruby Dee

  Elizabeth

• 

  Juano Hernández

  Rev. Charles Handy

• Teddy Buckner

  Musician

• Barney Bigard

  Musician

• George 'Red' Callender

  Musician

• Lee Young

  Musician

• George Washington

  Musician