Boogie-woogie bandleader Ted Barry is outside the pearly gates. Because of Ted's musical background, the gatekeeper points him to the Hall of Music, where he is escorted by an angel named Joy who is in awe of Ted and his musical abilities. Before Ted can enter heaven, he must pass the approval of the Hall of Music's judiciary, which is comprised of the best composers and musicians, led by Ludwig van Beethoven. Ted, with Joy as his supporter, gets into a heated discussion with the judiciary panel about the merits or not of his style of music, especially if there is any originality to it compared to the classics. Beyond these initial disagreements, Ted will have to pass the final test - composing an original piece of music in ten minutes - which may make all their previous discussion moot.