Bessie

Survival began with a song

5/16/20151h 47min6.4/10(133 TMDB votes)

DramaMusicTV Movie

Directed by Dee Rees

Watch trailer

Plot

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

Where to watch

See on TMDB

Included with subscription

HBO Max Amazon Channel

Rent

Buy

Availability for your country · JustWatch data via TMDB.

Cast

Queen Latifah

Bessie Smith

Mo'Nique

Ma Rainey

Mike Epps

Richard

Tika Sumpter

Lucille

Michael Kenneth Williams

Jack Gee

Charles S. Dutton

William 'Pa' Rainey

Bryan Greenberg

John Hammond

Oliver Platt

Carl Van Vechten

Khandi Alexander

Viola

Tory Kittles

Clarence

Kamryn Johnson

Young Bessie

Rikki McKinney

Chorus Guy

Alan T. Coleman

Stagehand

Clay Chappell

'81' Theatre Owner

Sharan C. Mansfield

Miss Taylor