The Drum Waltzes explores the life and music of legendary drummer, activist Max Roach, his creative peaks, personal struggles and re-inventions from the Jim Crow to Civil Rights eras, from heady days of post-war jazz to hip hop and beyond.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Max RoachSelf (archival footage) | Self (archival footage) |
 Abdullah IbrahimSelf | Self |
 QuestloveSelf | Self |
 Harry BelafonteSelf | Self |
 Jimmy HeathSelf | Self |
 Quincy JonesSelf | Self |
 Abbey LincolnSelf | Self |
 Sonny RollinsSelf | Self |
| RRandy WestonSelf | Self |
| DDee Dee BridgewaterSelf | Self |
 Fab 5 FreddySelf | Self |
| AAlbert 'Tootie' HeathSelf | Self |
| GGreg TateSelf | Self |
| JJeff "Tain" WattsSelf | Self |