St. Louis Blues (1958) is a biographical musical film about the life of legendary blues composer W.C. Handy, portrayed by Nat King Cole.
The film follows Handy’s journey from his strict religious upbringing—where his father disapproved of secular music—to his rise as a pioneering figure in blues and jazz.
It features a star-studded cast, including Eartha Kitt, Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, and Ella Fitzgerald, with performances of Handy’s most famous compositions, such as the title song St. Louis Blues.
Though the film takes creative liberties with Handy’s life story, it showcases the rich musical legacy of one of America’s most influential composers.
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The 1958 film St. Louis Blues features an impressive cast of musical and acting legends:
Nat King Cole as W.C. Handy
Eartha Kitt as Gogo Germaine
Cab Calloway as Blade
Pearl Bailey as Elizabeth Handy (W.C. Handy's mother)
Mahalia Jackson as Bessie May
Ella Fitzgerald as Singer
Juano Hernandez as Rev. Charles Handy (W.C. Handy's father)
Ruby Dee as Elizabeth (W.C. Handy’s love interest)
Barney Bigard as Clarinetist
Teddy Buckner as Cornetist
Billy Preston as Young W.C. Handy
The film blends biography with performances by some of the greatest musicians of the era, making it a unique tribute to W.C. Handy’s influence on blues and jazz.