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)
