Music ·Drama · United States of America · 1935 · 9m

Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life

Director

Cast

Duke Ellington as Self Billie Holiday as Self - Blues Singer (uncredited) Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker as Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited) Barney Bigard as Self - Clarinet (uncredited) Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton as Self - Trombone (uncredited)

Crew

William O. Steiner — Director of Photography Duke Ellington — Original Music Composer Milton Hockey — Writer Fred Rath — Writer Adolph Zukor — Producer

Synopsis

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.

Mood & Themes

jazz

Key Collaborators

Fred Waller Director William O. Steiner Director of Photography Duke Ellington Original Music Composer Milton Hockey Writer Fred Rath Writer Adolph Zukor Producer

Follow the Thread

Fred Waller directed Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life. Explore their complete filmography and the collaborators who shaped their vision.

Fred Waller's filmography → More Music → More Drama → William O. Steiner's cinematography →

Agent-readable