"Play it. Sing it. Shout it. Feel it."
In a story fueled by rhythm and blues, a young boy's life is shaped by love and the stories of a cast of characters in the boarding house where he lives in 1960s Lackawanna, New York.
Rachel 'Nanny' Crosby

Ruben Santiago Jr.

The Bandleader

Alean

Ol'lem Taylor

Pauline

Bill Crosby

Dick Barrymore

Bertha

Ulysses Ford

Ruben Santiago Sr.

Laura's Mother

Mr. Paul

Ricky

Self
Freddie Cobbs

Bill's Woman

Ruben, Jr. (Toddler)
Laura

Otis McClanahan
Jimmy

Lonnie (War Veteran)

Mr. Lucious

Numb Finger Pete

Mrs. Carmichael

Bill's Woman
Ruben Jr. (Adult)

Shakey Winfield

Ol' Po Carl

Jimmy Lee's Woman

Jesse

Fish Fry Guest
Fish Fry Guest
Fish Fry Guest
Fish Fry Guest
Fish Fry Guest
Fish Fry Guest
Dancer at Maxie's
Dancer at Maxie's
Dancer at Maxie's
Dancer at Maxie's
Dancer at Maxie's

Dancer at Maxie's
Dancer at Maxie's
Dancer at Maxie's
Nanny's Birthday Party Guest
Nanny's Birthday Party Guest

Nanny's Birthday Party Guest

Nanny's Birthday Party Guest
Alean's Boyfriend

Fish Sandwich Man
Gambler
Laura's Daughter

Laura's Son

Performer
Hotel Receptionist in Toronto (uncredited)

Headwaiter (uncredited)

Fish Fry Guest (uncredited)
Party Guest (uncredited)
