The story follow legendary railroad worker John Henry during the late 19th century.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Danny GloverJohn Henry | John Henry |
 Tom HulceQuinn | Quinn |
 Lynn WhitfieldPollie Ann | Pollie Ann |
 Barry CorbinMr. Jenkins | Mr. Jenkins |
 Thelma HoustonEdna | Edna |
 Lou RawlsJim Wallace | Jim Wallace |
 Julian ChristopherSpike | Spike |
| EE'Lon CoxEdward | Edward |
| DDavid DonhamCapt'n Johnson | Capt'n Johnson |
| JJadili JohnsonYoung John Henry | Young John Henry |
| CChristopher BurtonYoung Quinn | Young Quinn |
| RRick ReynoldsJohn Henry's Father | John Henry's Father |
| LLemoria EnglishJohn Henry's Mother | John Henry's Mother |
| KKendall Mayes-TaylorBaby John Henry | Baby John Henry |
 Kayla BlakeDancer | Dancer |
| MMichael HigginsDancer | Dancer |
| BBubba CarrDancer | Dancer |
 Melissa HurleyDancer | Dancer |
 Shelley DuvallSelf / Host | Self / Host |
 Regina McKee RedwingThe Lovely Lady | The Lovely Lady |