Lady Day

What do you know Billie Holiday for? I was first introduced to who Billie Holiday during 2021s adaptation of her life "United States Vs. Billie Holiday" staring the "Rise Up" Singer and leading actress Andra Day. What's upsetting is my first introduction to Billie Holidays voice was during a normal drive when the bittersweet tunes of "Solitude" played on my Pandora.

In 1972s "Lady Sings The Blues", touches heavily on Lady Holiday's younger years: her battle with addiction, stint in jail, and attempt to leave singing behind, as well as, her being arrested during her attempt to go to rehab. staring Diana Ross (Lady Day) and Richard Pryor (Piano Man)

These two movies seems to be congruent with one another. Sharing equal similarities and differences that makes these separate films seem like a two part series.

The essence of Billie Holiday as a true Lady is represented in the 1972 adaptation. Sweet but troubled and it did not show her lovers beating on her. The 2021 version, makes one believe she was a foul mouth no-nonsense women, where her multiple partners involved her in several domestic issues.

<<<To View Last Weeks Review Click Here>>>

The first film does not show her shooting up which I appreciate. Both the singers that played Holiday, sound different with Diana Ross, more sweet and sultry and Andre Day, more raw and Raspy. Together, they sound like a progression of aging, as holiday's voice did change over time. To view the 2021 adaption of Billie Holiday's life and career click the video below>>>

I do not suggest watching one without the other. To view the full movie "Lady Sings the Blues " Click Here>>> I also don't Recommend watching the film without viewing her documentary "The Longest Night of Lady Day" (Click Here to View) Where most of my source material for this post is based.

Miss Holiday was pursued by the government in the 1940s. The government claimed that it was due to her drug use and their efforts to stop the war on drugs. However, their main goal was to get Holiday to stop singing the song "Strange Fruit" (<<<To listen click Here>>>) The Song is about the unjust lynching's of African Americans in the south and it got the attention of Civil Rights activist, the NAACP, peaceful protesters, and rioters.

She didn’t just sing the blues. Miss Holiday was a jazz singer.

she had a troubling start to her childhood. Her grandmother passed away while holding her and when holiday woke up, she was locked within her grandmothers grasp.

Trauma continued as Miss holiday was raped by a 40 year old man at the age of ten.

Her battle with addiction started during her time touring the south and was a product of the segregation, discrimination, degradation, and racism she experienced at the same rate as the amount praise she received for her voice.

She was a flawed three dimensional spirit . A loving soul that wanted to live in a big house and have children. A radiant  soul. That sung jovial songs and love songs. “ She sung what ever songs were given to her or what ever standard song she liked to sing.” -Leonard Feather Jazz Writer and Critic

She was a fighter ,continuously trying to better herself, and used her voice to speak her truth.

She tried many times to have children and when she didn't get approved to adopt (due to her drug conviction) , some of her peers report “...she cried for four days straight.” - Artie Shaw Show Band Manager.

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There are three parts to every story. Two perspectives have been covered from the films and the documentary. But to fully understand Eleanora Fagan a.k.a Billie Holiday , I believe some clarity can be found in the 1956 autobiography titled "Lady Sings The Blues" By Miss Holiday and William Duff.

{Click the Image to find copies of her book}

Fun Fact: Miss Holiday's birthday is April 7th, 1915.

As Always, Thank you for reading

Keep Open Ears, Eyes, & Mind 'Till Next Time

Written By: Angel Hopson-Woods