Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

On July 2, 1927, the powerful blues singer Ma Rainey arrives at Paramount recording studios in Chicago for a crucial recording session. Her manager, Irvin, has orchestrated the event, hoping to make a hit with Ma's powerful voice and the seasoned Georgia Jazz Band.

The members of the Georgia Jazz Band, including Toledo, Cutler, and Slow Drag, arrive on time and are prepared to work. However, their anticipation turns to frustration when Ma arrives late, prompting tensions to rise within the group.

As soon as Ma Rainey arrives, she insists on specific demands that need to be met before she will begin recording. Among her requests is a Coca-Cola, which prompts the band members to send Slow Drag and her nephew Sylvester to fetch the drink, further delaying the session.

The band struggles through the recording of 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' as their frustrations mount with each failed take. Ma insists on Sylvester, who has a stutter, to deliver the opening words, creating additional tension within the group.

In a private moment, Ma confides in Cutler her feelings of being devalued by her white producers, revealing the painful truth that they only appreciate her talent while viewing her through a derogatory lens. This moment offers insight into her struggles as a Black artist in a racially charged environment.

During the tumultuous session, Levee Green, the ambitious trumpeter, engages in a romantic connection with Ma's girlfriend, Dussie Mae. Their private moment is interrupted, highlighting the tension and distractions present in the studio.

After numerous attempts, the band manages to record a track, but a technical failure prevents the music from being saved. The frustration peaks as the group begins to assign blame, targeting Levee for allegedly being careless due to his romantic distractions.

In a heated exchange, band member Cutler recounts a painful story of racial humiliation, seeking understanding and solidarity from the group. However, Levee dismisses Cutler's experiences, expressing his disillusionment with faith and existence.

Tensions escalate into a physical confrontation between Cutler and Levee, culminating in a dangerous moment when Levee brandishes a knife. This violent outburst underscores the growing friction among the band as personal and professional conflicts collide.

Following the tumultuous session, Ma Rainey decides to fire Levee for his disruptive ambition, fearing it threatens the harmony of the band. Her decision reflects the ongoing struggle for control and artistic vision within the group.

In a desperate bid for validation, Levee seeks support from producer Mel Sturdyvant for his compositions. However, he discovers that Sturdyvant has no intention of backing his groundbreaking work, leading him into despair and a mental breakdown.

After a verbal altercation with Toledo regarding an incident involving Levee’s shoes, the confrontation escalates tragically. In a moment of uncontrollable rage, Levee fatally stabs Toledo, marking a devastating turning point in the narrative.

With horror and disbelief, Cutler and Slow Drag flee the scene in fear, leaving Levee alone with the consequences of his actions. Overcome with remorse, Levee is left to grapple with the reality of his violent choice and its irrevocable impact.

In the aftermath of the violence, producer Mel Sturdyvant seizes the opportunity to exploit Levee's songs. However, he chooses to record them with all-white musicians, forsaking the essence of the band that originally created the music.