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.
as W.C. Handy
as Gogo Germaine
as Blade
as Singer
as Bessie May
as Elizabeth
as Rev. Charles Handy
as Musician
as Musician
as Musician
as Musician
as Musician
as Will Handy as a Boy
as Aunt Hagar
