
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

as Bessie Smith

as Ma Rainey

as Richard

as Lucille

as Jack Gee

as William 'Pa' Rainey

as John Hammond

as Carl Van Vechten

as Viola

as Clarence

as Young Bessie

as Chorus Guy

as Stagehand

as '81' Theatre Owner

as Miss Taylor

as Rehearsal Director

as Chorus Girl

as Chorus Girl

as Host

as Theatergoer

as Ma's Main Girl

as Ma's Dancer

as Nightclub Manager

as Bessie's Dancer

as Roadie

as Roadie

as Doreen Dupree

as Etta Johnson

as Detroit Theater Manager

as Wild Child

as Swarm Boy

as Sharkish Man

as Hostess

as Harry Herbert Pace

as Black Swan Executive

as Black Swan Receptionist

as Frank Walker

as Brave Man

as Klansman

as Doorman

as Vanity Fair Editor

as Fania Van Vechten

as Langston Hughes

as Gertrude

as Jack Gee Jr.

as Benny Goodman

as Gangster

as Shady Guy

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Bessie's Band Member

as Ma's Band Member

as Ma's Band Member

as Ma's Band Member

as Ma's Band Member

as Ma's Band Member

as Ma's Band Member

as Ma's Band Member

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Dancer

as Background Extra (uncredited)

as Railroad Passenger (uncredited)

as Stage Crew (uncredited)

as Swarm Boy #2 (uncredited)

as Doorman (uncredited)

as Extra (uncredited)

as Ophelia Franklin (uncredited)

as Upscale Party Goer (uncredited)

as Extra (uncredited)

as KKK Driver (uncredited)

as Bodyguard (uncredited)

as Philadelphia Audience Member (uncredited)

as Party Guest (uncredited)

as Hoover Town Citizen (uncredited)

as Neighbor #2 (uncredited)

as Train Passenger #2 (uncredited)

as Party Goer (uncredited)

as Server (uncredited)

as Train Passenger #1 (uncredited)

as Jack's Lover (uncredited)

as Poker Player (uncredited)

as Party Goer (uncredited)

as Neighborhood Kid (uncredited)

as Cheering Fan (uncredited)

as Pedestrian (uncredited)

as Dancer (uncredited)

as VIP Guest (uncredited)

as Theater Goer (uncredited)

as Patron (uncredited)

as Stage Hand (uncredited)

as Club Goer (uncredited)

as Pretzel Guy (uncredited)

as Marguerite d'Alvarez (uncredited)

as Switchboard Operator (uncredited)

as Stage Crew (uncredited)