Movie

Lady Sings the Blues

Released: October 12, 1972 (1972)

Runtime: 144 minutes

Genres: Drama, Music

Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay, her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.

Main Cast (Top 10 billed, oldest first)

Sid Melton as Jerry
Age at release: 55
Isabel Sanford as The Madame
Age at release: 55
Virginia Capers as Mama Holiday
Age at release: 47
James T. Callahan as Reg Hanley
Age at release: 42
Billy Dee Williams as Louis McKay
Age at release: 35
Paul Hampton as Harry
Age at release: 35
Richard Pryor as Piano Man
Age at release: 31
Diana Ross as Billie Holiday
Age at release: 28
Yvonne Fair as Yvonne
Age at release: Unknown
Tracee Lyles as The Prostitute
Age at release: Unknown

Show more cast

Jester Hairston as The Butler
Age at release: 71
Ned Glass as The Agent
Age at release: 66
Paul Micale as The Maitre d'
Age at release: 56
Milton Selzer as The Doctor
Age at release: 53
Byron Kane as The Announcer
Age at release: 49
Larry Duran as Hood #1
Age at release: 47
Charles Woolf as Reporter #3
Age at release: 45
Norman Bartold as The Detective #1
Age at release: 44
Lynn Hamilton as Aunt Ida
Age at release: 42
Clay Tanner as The Detective #2
Age at release: 41
Shirley Melline as The Policewoman
Age at release: 40
Don McGovern as Reporter #1
Age at release: 40
Bert Kramer as The Policeman
Age at release: 38
Barbara Minkus as Radio Actress
Age at release: 30
George Wyner as The M.C.
Age at release: 26
Kay Lewis as Angela DeMarco
Age at release: Unknown
Helen Lewis as Debbie McGee
Age at release: Unknown
Toby Russ as The Jail Guard
Age at release: Unknown
Denise Denise as Denise
Age at release: Unknown
Victor Morosco as Vic
Age at release: Unknown