Bessie

Queen Latifah

as Bessie Smith

Mike Epps

as Richard

Oliver Platt

as Carl Van Vechten

Charles S. Dutton

as William 'Pa' Rainey

Mo'Nique

as Ma Rainey

Michael Kenneth Williams

as Jack Gee

Tika Sumpter

as Lucille

Tory Kittles

as Clarence

Khandi Alexander

as Viola

Adella Gautier

as Neighbor #2 (uncredited)