
In a story fueled by rhythm and blues, a young boy's life is shaped by love and the stories of a cast of characters in the boarding house where he lives in 1960s Lackawanna, New York.

as Rachel 'Nanny' Crosby

as Ruben Santiago Jr.

as The Bandleader

as Alean

as Ol'lem Taylor

as Pauline

as Bill Crosby

as Dick Barrymore

as Bertha

as Ulysses Ford

as Ruben Santiago Sr.

as Laura's Mother

as Mr. Paul

as Ricky

as Self

as Freddie Cobbs

as Bill's Woman

as Ruben, Jr. (Toddler)

as Laura

as Otis McClanahan

as Jimmy

as Lonnie (War Veteran)

as Mr. Lucious

as Numb Finger Pete

as Mrs. Carmichael

as Bill's Woman

as Ruben Jr. (Adult)

as Shakey Winfield

as Ol' Po Carl

as Jimmy Lee's Woman

as Jesse

as Fish Fry Guest

as Fish Fry Guest

as Fish Fry Guest

as Fish Fry Guest

as Fish Fry Guest

as Fish Fry Guest

as Dancer at Maxie's

as Dancer at Maxie's

as Dancer at Maxie's

as Dancer at Maxie's

as Dancer at Maxie's

as Dancer at Maxie's

as Dancer at Maxie's

as Dancer at Maxie's

as Nanny's Birthday Party Guest

as Nanny's Birthday Party Guest

as Nanny's Birthday Party Guest

as Alean's Boyfriend

as Fish Sandwich Man

as Gambler

as Laura's Daughter

as Laura's Son

as Performer

as Hotel Receptionist in Toronto (uncredited)

as Headwaiter (uncredited)

as Fish Fry Guest (uncredited)

as Party Guest (uncredited)

as Nanny's Birthday Party Guest