In 1950s Harlem, Sparkle, Sister and Dolores are three musically gifted sisters whose mother, Effie, supports them by working as a maid. Encouraged by Sparkle's boyfriend, Stix, the three form a singing group and become a sensation at a local nightclub. However, tensions rise when Sister is appointed the group's lead singer and begins dating Satin, an abusive, drug-addicted pimp.
