What’s It About
Will Handy grows up in Memphis with his preacher father and his Aunt Hagar. His father intends for him to use his musical gifts only in church, but he can’t stay away from the music of the streets and workers. After he writes a theme song for a local politician, Gogo, a speakeasy singer, convinces Will to be her accompanist. Will is estranged from his father for many years while he writes and publishes many blues songs. At last the family is reunited when Gogo brings them to New York to see Will’s music played by a symphony orchestra.
Why It’s Gone
Like most historically great Black films, the powers that be, hope the next generations never find out how much potential they’ve always possessed. After several attempts to get answers, I continually hit a brick wall. I hope that today’s “woke” culture finds a way to get the process started and get St. Louis Blues to the masses. On the plus side, with all the culturally positive things that have been happening lately, it seems to be only a matter of time until our next leaders get to enjoy this classic.