"Survival began with a song"
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
Dee ReesDirector
Bessie Smith
Young Bessie
Chorus Guy
Stagehand
Clarence
'81' Theatre Owner
Lucille
Miss Taylor
Rehearsal Director
Chorus Girl
Host
Theatergoer
Ma Rainey
Ma's Main Girl
William 'Pa' Rainey
Ma's Dancer
Nightclub Manager
Bessie's Dancer
Roadie
Doreen Dupree
Etta Johnson
Jack Gee
Detroit Theater Manager
Wild Child
Swarm Boy
Viola
Sharkish Man
Hostess
Harry Herbert Pace
Black Swan Executive
Black Swan Receptionist
Frank Walker
Richard
Brave Man
Klansman
Doorman
Vanity Fair Editor
Carl Van Vechten
Fania Van Vechten
Langston Hughes
Gertrude
Jack Gee Jr.
John Hammond
Benny Goodman
Gangster
Shady Guy
Bessie's Band Member
Ma's Band Member
Dancer
Background Extra (uncredited)
Railroad Passenger (uncredited)
Stage Crew (uncredited)
Swarm Boy #2 (uncredited)
Doorman (uncredited)
Extra (uncredited)
Ophelia Franklin (uncredited)
Upscale Party Goer (uncredited)
KKK Driver (uncredited)
Bodyguard (uncredited)
Philadelphia Audience Member (uncredited)
Party Guest (uncredited)
Hoover Town Citizen (uncredited)
Neighbor #2 (uncredited)
Train Passenger #2 (uncredited)
Party Goer (uncredited)
Server (uncredited)
Train Passenger #1 (uncredited)
Jack's Lover (uncredited)
Poker Player (uncredited)
Neighborhood Kid (uncredited)
Cheering Fan (uncredited)
Pedestrian (uncredited)
Dancer (uncredited)
VIP Guest (uncredited)
Theater Goer (uncredited)
Patron (uncredited)
Stage Hand (uncredited)
Club Goer (uncredited)
Pretzel Guy (uncredited)
Marguerite d'Alvarez (uncredited)
Switchboard Operator (uncredited)
