Poster of Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life

Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life

Plot: 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.
Release Date: Thursday, September 12 1935
89 years ago
External Links
IMDb logoExternal Link Icon
Scroll to Crew

Cast

Portrait of Duke EllingtonDuke Ellington
Duke Ellington was
36 in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Self'.
Sat, Apr 29 1899 –
Fri, May 24 1974
Portrait of Billie HolidayBillie Holiday
Billie Holiday was
20 in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)'.
Wed, Apr 07 1915 –
Fri, Jul 17 1959
Portrait of Earl 'Snake Hips' TuckerEarl 'Snake Hips' Tucker
Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker was
>> in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)'.
Unknown Birthday
Portrait of Barney BigardBarney Bigard
Barney Bigard was
>> in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Self - Clarinet (uncredited)'.
Unknown Birthday
Portrait of Joe 'Tricky Sam' NantonJoe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton
Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton was
>> in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Self - Trombone (uncredited)'.
Unknown Birthday

Crew

Portrait of Fred WallerFred Waller
Fred Waller was
>> in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Director'
Unknown Birthday
Portrait of William O. SteinerWilliam O. Steiner
William O. Steiner was
32 in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Director of Photography'
Fri, Jun 26 1903 –
Tue, Oct 01 1968
Portrait of Milton HockeyMilton Hockey
Milton Hockey was
>> in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Writer'
Unknown Birthday
Portrait of Fred RathFred Rath
Fred Rath was
>> in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Writer'
Unknown Birthday
Portrait of Adolph ZukorAdolph Zukor
Adolph Zukor was
62 in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Producer'
Tue, Jan 07 1873 –
Thu, Jun 10 1976
Portrait of Duke EllingtonDuke Ellington
Duke Ellington was
36 in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
as 'Original Music Composer'
Sat, Apr 29 1899 –
Fri, May 24 1974