W.C. Handy's first successful composition was "Memphis Blues" but, because the producers couldn't obtain the rights to the song, his first successful song was presented in the film as being "Yellow Dog Blues", actually written several years later, after Handy had established himself.
While the 85-year-old W.C. Handy served as a consultant on this film, he never lived to see it open.
Although uncredited, conductor of the finale C. Bakaleinikoff is billed on the poster outside the concert hall.
Mahalia Jackson's debut.