Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life

9 mins
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.

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)

Fred Waller

Director

Adolph Zukor

Producer

Duke Ellington

Original Music Composer

Fred Rath

Writer

William O. Steiner

Director of Photography

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