Billy Dee Williams as Scott Joplin

Clifton Davis as Chauvin

Margaret Avery as Belle Joplin

Eubie Blake as Will Williams

Godfrey Cambridge as Tom Turpin

Seymour Cassel as Dr. Jaelki

DeWayne Jessie as John The Baptist

Mabel King as Madam Amy

Taj Mahal as Poor Alfred

Spo-De-Odee as Left Hand of God

Art Carney as John Stark

David Healy as Sam Bundler

Samuel Fuller as Impresario

Leon Charles as Liebling

Fred Pinkard as Dr. Adams

Delos V. Smith Jr. as Wallis

Marcus J. Grapes as Rabin

Denise Gordy as The Girl

Rita Ross as Girl With Note

William King as The Minstrel Singers

Ronald La Pread as The Minstrel Singers

Thomas McClary as The Minstrel Singers

Walter Orange as The Minstrel Singers

Lionel Richie as The Minstrel Singers

Milan Williams as The Minstrel Singers

David Raynr as Young Scott Joplin

DarNella Allen as Mother

Bob Harks as Workman (uncredited)

Eugene Jackson as Piano Contest Spectator (uncredited)

Ron Taylor as John Stark's Driver (uncredited)