"This film surveys the influence of Africa and Black America on American popular music, beginning with African rhythms and chants before tracing the evolution of American music from spirituals, jubilee, blues, ragtime, gospel, jazz, and soul. The film was hosted by [Liberian disc jockey] Yvonne Barclay," who was among the most popular radio hosts on the Voice of America (VOA) airwaves during the Cold War (US National Archives).
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| YYvonne BarclayHost/Narrator | Host/Narrator |
| LLeo RandallSelf | Self |
| SSavannah CrowderSelf | Self |
| JJune NortonSelf | Self |
| JJerry WhiteSelf | Self |
 Mahalia JacksonSelf | Self |