With a movie debut slated for May 16, Bessie chronicles the life and legacy of late blues singer Bessie Smith, whose career was prominent and most successful in the 1920s.

Honoring “The Empress of the Blues,” Bessie is portrayed by award-winning actress Queen Latifah, who shares the iconic musician’s life story from birth in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1894 to her residency at the 81 Theatre in Atlanta. In addition, we are introduced to personal relationships of Bessie, taking us beyond the success of her voice and into her heart.

Alongside Latifah, Michael K. Williams plays Bessie’s husband Jack Gee, blending their personal relationship as ambitious friends turned entertainment stars to on-screen chemistry. For Williams, the project is coming full circle from the two’s real-life tri-state area upbringing. In an exclusive clip, Williams shares anecdotes of how him and Latifah collaborated on the project.

“I hope that Bessie and Jack Gee are smiling down on us and we do them well, did them well,” says Williams. “She and I definitely brought our personal relationship to these characters and I think it’s going to come across in the film.”

Also appearing in the film are Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, Tory Kittles, Tika Sumpter, Charles S. Dutton and Oscar winner Mo’Nique.