Synopsis
In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats. After an initially rocky start, the group improves, turns pro, and rises to become a top flight music sensation. Along the way, however, the guys learn many hard lessons about the reality of the music industry.
Cast

Robert Townsend
Duck

Michael Wright
Eddie

Leon
J.T.

Harry Lennix
Dresser

Tico Wells
Choirboy

Diahann Carroll
Eleanor Potter

Harold Nicholas
Sarge

John Canada Terrell
Michael 'Flash' Turner
Chuck Patterson
Jimmy Potter

Hawthorne James
Big Red
Roy Fegan
Bird

Troy Byer
Baby Doll

Carla Brothers
Tanya Sawyer

Deborah Lacey
Rose

Theresa Randle
Brenda

John Witherspoon
Wild Rudy

Bobby McGee
Leon

O.L. Duke
Monroe

Kasi Lemmons
Cookie

Eugene Robert Glazer
David Green
Timmie Rogers
Buddy Lewis

Tommy Redmond Hicks
Pastor Blake
Donnie Simpson
Donnie Simpson

Norma Donaldson
Mrs. Sawyer
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