Guest Stars Pauletta Washington as Rachel Franklin Steven Gregory Norfleet as Cecil Franklin Antonique Smith as Barbara Franklin T.I. as Ken Cunningham Keith Arthur Bolden as Recording Studio Man Omar J. Dorsey as James Cleveland Co Starring Sydney Hunter as Young Carolyn Aubriana Davis as Young Erma Brandon Gilliard as Chuck Rainey Tina Fears as Clara Ward Leon Lamar as Cranky Old Timer Michael Hogan as Sydney Pollack Laurie Williamson as Sister Marian Melanie "Sweet Melodi" Patrick as Audience Member #5 Duranice Page as JC Choir Member #3 Chrystal Rucker as JC Choir Member #2 Ny'Jal Mosley as Brother Edwin Amanda Johnson as Audience Member #4 Tweet as JC Choir Member #1 Dacia James as Audience Member #1 Brandon Germaine as Audience Member #3 Tristan Andrews as Audience Member #2 Michael Rene Walton as Cameraman Keila Harvey as Audience Member #6 Justin Gilbert as Cornerstone Choir Director Jannette Sepwa as Miss Lowery