On July 21st 1943 the Afro/American musical film Stormy Weather was released.

This was a time when very few Afro/American performers were appearing in mainstream films except in stereotype roles as servants or the comic character, and in subordinate positions to the main white stars.

In 1943 two Afro American films were released, Stormy Weather by 20thC Fox, and Cabin in the Sky by MGM.

Stormy Weather has many iconic songs and performances. It starred:  Lena Horne, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Cab Calloway.