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.

Released: Sep 12, 1935

Runtime: 9 minutes

Genre: Music, Drama

Stars: Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker, Barney Bigard, Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton

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