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Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life

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

September 12, 1935

Runtime

9 min

Genres

Directed by

Fred Waller

Written by

Milton Hockey, Fred Rath

Language

English

Budget

$0

Revenue

$0

Status

Released

Cast

Duke Ellington

Billie Holiday

Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)

Images

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Videos

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Symphony in black--a rhapsody of Negro life

Cast5 cast members

Duke Ellington

Billie Holiday

Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)

Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker

Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)

Barney Bigard

Self - Clarinet (uncredited)

Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton

Self - Trombone (uncredited)

Crew6 crew members

Fred Waller

Adolph Zukor

Milton Hockey

Fred Rath

Duke Ellington

Original Music Composer

William O. Steiner

Director of Photography

Posters2 images

Clips1 video

Symphony in black--a rhapsody of Negro life