Bessie Smith

Ma Rainey

Richard

Lucille

Jack Gee

William 'Pa' Rainey

John Hammond

Carl Van Vechten

Viola

Clarence

Frank Walker

Langston Hughes

Ma's Main Girl

Bessie's Dancer

Detroit Theater Manager

Sharkish Man

Doreen Dupree

Fania Van Vechten

Rehearsal Director

Swarm Boy #1

Swarm Boy #2

Night Club Owner

Stage Hand

Host

Vanity Fair Editor

Chorus Girl #1

Chorus Girl #2

Roadie #1

Roadie #2

Etta Johnson

Benny Goodman

Marguerite d'Alvarez

Harry Pace

Jack Gee Jr.

Ma's Dancer

Stagehand

Stage Crew (uncredited)

Party Goer