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Home • News

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'

cadillacrecords
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
It’s Showtime

“Cadillac Records” is based on the real-life story of Leonard Chess and the legends who comprised his music label, Chess Records.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Cedric the Entertainer »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
02
Who’s The Boss?

Howlin’ Wolf (Eamonn Walker) soon eyes Muddy’s position as the label’s top dog.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
03
The Firecracker

Walter’s temper was as overpowering as his talent. Short said playing the character was as close as he may get to playing his ideal role-Tupac Shakur.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
04
Sound Check

Chess Records bass player and songwriter Willie Dixon (Cedric the Entertainer) discusses the label’s sound with Chess (Adrien Brody) and Waters (Wright).

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Cedric the Entertainer »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
05
Sing For Me

James(Knowles) performs for the first time for Chess.

See red carpet photos from the New York premiere of “Cadillac Records” »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
06
Lady Sings the Blues

Etta James, played by BeyoncĂ© Knowles, gained much success in music, but learned she couldn’t outrun the pain of her past.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Cedric the Entertainer »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
07
Perfect Harmony

Harmonica player Little Walter (Columbus Short), center, jams with mentor Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), right. The role was a dream come true for Short.

“If you had asked me five years ago the one actor I wanted to work with, I would say Jeffrey Wright,” he says. “How close we became is a testament to what we can manifest if we believe.”

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
08
Bulls-eye

Etta gives it her best shot on the pool table as she discusses signing to Chess Records.

See red carpet photos from the New York premiere of “Cadillac Records” »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
09
By Your Side

Gabrielle Union plays Geneva, Muddy Waters’s devoted wife in the film.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Cedric the Entertainer »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
10
First Impressions

Waters, left, is introduced to the label’s new act Howlin’ Wolf, played by Eamonn Walker.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
11
Rock-Star Status

The crowds of Black and White fans go wild when Chuck Berry (Mos Def) hits the stage.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Cedric the Entertainer »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
12
Facing Facts

James copes with the realities of life after hearing disappointing news on her family.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Cedric the Entertainer »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
13
Feel the Rhythm

Little Walter sings for the ladies while recording one of his hit songs.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Cedric the Entertainer »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
14
Cool Cat

Waters’s music inspires many rock ‘n’ roll legends who follow.

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Cedric the Entertainer »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Eammon Walker »

Read out exclusive interview with “Cadillac Records” star Columbus Short »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures
15
At Last

Etta James makes history as her music crosses over the racial barrier.

See red carpet photos from the New York premiere of “Cadillac Records” »

Scenes from 'Cadillac Records'
TriStar Pictures