Duke presents Ivie Anderson (1904-1949) in the first of her two film appearances: many believe her to be his best featured vocalist and was with the Ellington Orchestra between 1931 and 1942. Musical numbers: "Lightnin," "Rockin' in Rhythm," "Stormy Weather" (vocal by Ivie Anderson), "Bugle Call Rag" (danced by Bessie Dudley and Florence Hill), and a reprise of "Lightnin"