Billy Dee Williams

Scott Joplin

Clifton Davis

Chauvin

Margaret Avery

Belle Joplin

Eubie Blake

Will Williams

Godfrey Cambridge

Tom Turpin

Seymour Cassel

Dr. Jaelki

DeWayne Jessie

John The Baptist

Mabel King

Madam Amy

Taj Mahal

Poor Alfred

Spo-De-Odee

Left Hand of God

Art Carney

John Stark

David Healy

Sam Bundler

Samuel Fuller

Impresario

Leon Charles

Liebling

Fred Pinkard

Dr. Adams

Delos V. Smith Jr.

Wallis

Marcus J. Grapes

Rabin

Denise Gordy

The Girl

Rita Ross

Girl With Note

William King

The Minstrel Singers

Ronald La Pread

The Minstrel Singers

Thomas McClary

The Minstrel Singers

Walter Orange

The Minstrel Singers

Lionel Richie

The Minstrel Singers

Milan Williams

The Minstrel Singers

David Raynr

Young Scott Joplin

DarNella Allen

Mother

Bob Harks

Workman (uncredited)

Eugene Jackson

Piano Contest Spectator (uncredited)

Ron Taylor

John Stark's Driver (uncredited)