Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life (1935)
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.
Director: Fred Waller
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Duke Ellington as Self |
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Billie Holiday as Self - Blues Singer (uncredited) |
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Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker as Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited) |
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Barney Bigard as Self - Clarinet (uncredited) |
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Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton as Self - Trombone (uncredited) |
| Directing | Fred Waller | Director |
| Production | Adolph Zukor | Producer |
| Sound | Duke Ellington | Original Music Composer |
| Writing | Milton Hockey | Writer |
| Writing | Fred Rath | Writer |
| Camera | William O. Steiner | Director of Photography |
