Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
66 %|Sep 12, 1935|Music, Drama
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.
Featured Crew
Fred Waller
Director
Adolph Zukor
Producer
Duke Ellington
Original Music Composer
Milton Hockey
Writer
Fred Rath
Writer
William O. Steiner
Director of Photography
Cast
Duke Ellington
Self
Billie Holiday
Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)
Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker
Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)
Barney Bigard
Self - Clarinet (uncredited)
Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton
Self - Trombone (uncredited)