Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life (1935)

  • NR
  • 09/12/1935 (US)
  • Music, Drama
  • 9m

Overview

A rising nineteen-year-old singer by the name of Billie Holiday made her screen debut in this musical landmark, which features Duke Ellington and his orchestra performing his symphonic jazz piece “A Rhapsody of Negro Life” set to scenes of everyday African American life.

Fred Waller

Director

Milton Hockey

Writer

Fred Rath

Writer

Cast

Duke Ellington's headshot

Duke Ellington

Self
Billie Holiday's headshot

Billie Holiday

Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)
Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker's headshot

Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker

Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)
Barney Bigard's headshot

Barney Bigard

Self - Clarinet (uncredited)
Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton's headshot

Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton

Self - Trombone (uncredited)

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