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Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life

1935 · Movie · 9 min

6.6(18)unSUB Rating

Music

Cohen Film Collection introduces this classic short staring Duke Ellington, featuing a brief vocal by a 19-year-old Billie Holiday, and a performance of Ellington’s jazz composition along symphonic lines. Ellington plays his symphonic jazz piece, “A Rhapsody of Negro Life,” with his orchestra against slice-of-life background scenes.

Where to watch

Streaming on Cohen Media Channel.

< 1 hour to watch.

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Details
Years
1935
Release date
1935-09-12
Language
English
Runtime
9 min
TMDB rating (input)
6.8/10 (18 votes)

Themes

  • jazz

Cast & crew

  • Duke Ellington

    Duke Ellington

    as Self

  • Billie Holiday

    Billie Holiday

    as Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)

  • ET

    Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker

    as Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)

  • BB

    Barney Bigard

    as Self - Clarinet (uncredited)

  • JN

    Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton

    as Self - Trombone (uncredited)

Directed by Fred Waller