Bessie poster

Survival began with a song

Bessie

6.420151h 47m

DramaMusicTV Movie

The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

Directed by Dee Rees

Behind the scenes

Movie screenshots & stills

Bessie still 1

Bessie still 2

CAST

The people behind the story

Queen Latifah

Queen LatifahBessie Smith

Mo'Nique

Mo'NiqueMa Rainey

Mike Epps

Mike EppsRichard

Tika Sumpter

Tika SumpterLucille

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael Kenneth WilliamsJack Gee

Charles S. Dutton

Charles S. DuttonWilliam 'Pa' Rainey

Bryan Greenberg

Bryan GreenbergJohn Hammond

Oliver Platt

Oliver PlattCarl Van Vechten