Joanne Fish {Producer/Director}: Owner, Labor of Love Productions.  In 2007 Joanne completed her award winning documentary on the “Queen of Rockabilly” Wanda Jackson. The film, entitled “THE SWEET LADY WITH THE NASTY VOICE”, won Best in Show at the Oklahoma City DeadCenterFilm Festival, a Cine Golden Eagle Award, and was an official entry at over 20 other film festivals. The documentary was acquired by Smithsonian Network as part of its premiere launch. Joanne has produced, written and directed more than 250 programs for network television, including A&E Biography, Modern Marvels, Lifetime’s Intimate Portrait, Rescue 911, and the History Channel Special about George Washington Carver for Black History Month. She won an Emmy award for "Class Acts" a documentary about Los Angeles’ first public High School of the Arts, and received seven Emmy nominations for her work. 

Stuart J. Robertson {Editor, Post Production Supervisor}:  Through his company Beam Universal Inc., Stuart has accrued over 20 years of experience working with some of the biggest advertising agencies and television networks worldwide. From end credits on "Snow White and the Huntsman" to a promotional video for the cult hit "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia" he brings passion and enthusiasm to every project he touches.  His commercials have been honored with the Cannes Lions and New Zealand Axis advertising awards.  Stuart says:  "My favorite project in recent memory has been Mr. Handy's Blues.  I have developed a deep respect for W.C. Handy and his important place in history."

David Julian Leonard {Lead Director of Photography}: Memphis based filmmaker, cinematographer & photographer. His credits as cinematographer include "Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story" (PBS - 2007), "Johnny Cash's America" (A & E Biography - 2008), and "The Big Beat: the Story of Fats Domino & His Band" {2014}. The Stax and Johnny Cash documentaries were both directed by the team of Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville with whom Leonard recently again served as cinematographer for their upcoming documentary: "The Best of Enemies" (2015). Leonard also is cinematographer and shares directing and producing credits with Gordon on a series of 22 web-based short films for the Mississippi Blues Trail project.

Bobby Rush {Interviewee/Performer}:  Bobby Rush is the king of the contemporary chitlin' circuit, known for his raucous and red-hot mix of soul, blues, and funk. He’s been awarded 17 Blues Music Awards over his long career, and in 2006 was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. His latest album "Porcupine Meat" is nominated for a 2017 Grammy Award in the Traditional Blues Category.  Bobby Rush calls W.C. Handy his 'idol' and gives a heartfelt spontaneous musical tribute to him in the film.  

Taj Mahal {Interviewee/Performer}:  Taj Mahal is a music legend who often incorporates elements of world music into his compositions. He is the recipient of two Grammy Awards and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association in 2014.  He continues to record and tour, bringing his musical and cultural spirit to fans around the planet. Taj Mahal is an icon in the Blues world, and lends his deep insight about its history and evolutionto Mr. Handy’s Blues. 

Vince Giordano {Interviewee/Performer}: Vince is a multi-instrumentalist and leader of the New York-based Nighthawks Orchestra. He specializes in jazz of the 1920s and 1930s. He’s created music for Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator”, Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Cotton Club”, many Woody Allen films including his latest “Café Society”, and HBO’s Grammy-winning “Boardwalk Empire.” Mr. Giordano is also a big-band historian who has amassed more than 60,000 sheet music scores in his collection. In "Mr. Handy’s Blues" he and the Nighthawks bring Handy’s music to life with their impeccable and authentic period performances. 

Carlos R. Handy Ph.D. {Interviewee /Grandson of W.C. Handy}: Dr. Handy is the Trustee of the W.C. Handy Trust, and President of Handy Bros. Music Co. He is also the Chair of the Physics Department at Texas Southern University.  He provides a firsthand account of W.C. Handy’s life and the legacy that continues.  Dr. Handy also plays the trumpet, following in his grandfather’s footsteps.