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.
Nat King Cole
Eartha Kitt
Cab Calloway
Ella Fitzgerald
Mahalia Jackson
Ruby Dee
Juano Hernández
Teddy Buckner
Barney Bigard
George 'Red' Callender
Lee Young
George Washington
Billy Preston
Pearl Bailey