Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life (1935)

Name: Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
Director: Fred Waller
Genre: Music, Drama
Released: 1935-09-12
Duration: 9 min
Rating: 6.8
Cast: Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker, Barney Bigard, Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton

★ 6.8 (18) 9m 1935

Music Drama

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.