Ginger grows up listening to her mom’s jazz records and is determined to become a jazz singer and not a frustrated drunk like her mother, who gave up her dream. A friend's father lets Ginger sing with his trio in a small bar in their hometown. She's a hit and is encouraged to move to NYC where she meets Ben, a jazz pianist, in the Greenwich Village coffee house where they both work. They become a team as well as lovers.

While making a record, she is seduced by Bill, a sax player, decides she wants to be free to have other relationships, and risks telling Ben she cheated. He walks out, forcing Ginger to evaluate what she wants. Torn and confused, she sees an old couple, holding hands. Their love causes her to question her decision. Will Ben be able to forgive her?