RCA Victor wanted Eartha to have an album ready when her movie by the same title released in 1958. Co-starring Nat King Cole, the whole film is a look back on the amazing career of W.C. Handy. For the album, Eartha is paired with Milton "Shorty" Rogers and his Dixieland jazz band. Together they make beautiful music of ragtime, blues, gospel and a little cajun/creole.