St. Louis Blues (1958)
The glitter and glory story of the man whose rhythm and blues beat became all America's heartbeat!
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.
Director: Allen Reisner
Genre: Drama, History
Runtime: 105 min
Release Date: April 7, 1958
Cast
- Nat King Cole - W.C. Handy
- Eartha Kitt - Gogo Germaine
- Cab Calloway - Blade
- Ella Fitzgerald - Singer
- Mahalia Jackson - Bessie May
- Ruby Dee - Elizabeth
- Juano Hernández - Rev. Charles Handy
- Teddy Buckner - Musician
- Barney Bigard - Musician
- George 'Red' Callender - Musician
Screenplay
- Spencer Williams (Lyricist)
- Mack David (Lyricist)
- Martha Koenig (Lyricist)
- Mercedes Gilbert (Lyricist)
- Ted Sherdeman
Music: Nelson Riddle, W.C. Handy
Editing: Eda Warren
Production: Paramount Pictures
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Original Language: en
Themes
Historical Figures and Biographies, Inspiring True Stories, Behind the Music: Artist Biopics
Keywords
jazz, biography
More Films by Director: Allen Reisner
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is St. Louis Blues about?
- 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.
- Who directed St. Louis Blues?
- St. Louis Blues was directed by Allen Reisner.
- Who stars in St. Louis Blues?
- St. Louis Blues stars Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Ruby Dee.
- How long is St. Louis Blues?
- St. Louis Blues has a runtime of 1h 45m (105 minutes).
- What genre is St. Louis Blues?
- St. Louis Blues is a Drama, History film.
- Where was St. Louis Blues produced?
- St. Louis Blues was produced in United States of America.
- What are the themes of St. Louis Blues?
- The themes of St. Louis Blues include: Historical Figures and Biographies, Inspiring True Stories, Behind the Music: Artist Biopics.