Strange Fruit sang live by Billie Holiday - I was first introduced to Billie Holiday's music at around the turn of the century. A very good friend of mine had suggested I check out a local AM radio station that played 40's, 50's, and 60's music. Doo-wop songs like 1954s "Sh-boom" by the Crew cuts or big band classics like 1939s "In the Mood" by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. I loved every one of these songs for the upbeat feelings I'd feel and catchy lyrics I'd sing. Then I discovered Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. I was never the same. Their voices had power and authenticity I had not experienced. I was now coming to understand that not every song is about a happy time. There are songs about suffering and tragedy as well as good times and celebrations. There were messages being sent that I didn't understand because they described a world that was unknown to me. But still, I only knew about what the songs said in their lyrics. Songs about love, hope for tomorrow, and better days to come. What I didn't know then is the lives that these artists were forced to lead because of racist policies and ignorant, hateful people. The United States vs. Billie Holiday shows just how perverted and twisted the minds of men can become. And when those rotten minds become men of power and influence, it portrays how horrible and cruel they can become to another human being for no other reason than the color of their skin. If you enjoy Billie Holiday's music, any black artist for that matter, you should watch this movie. Billie was not a saint, she was as human as anyone else. She struggled with how to deal with the things she had seen and experienced and what was happening all around her. That did not give the Federal government reason to track her every move and even attempt to plant drugs on her to get her arrested. They did nothing but add to the stress of her life. The beauty of the art is appreciated in another way when you understand from what source it derives. Could Ms. Holiday's music have been different if she had an easier life? The movie has some embellishments but there's evidence of the harassment she endured by the FBI. The way our country has treated people of color is deplorable. It has been ignored for too long. The current climate of awareness of our past is the only way to allow healing to begin and progress to continue. This episode covers a lot of topics, but this movie is at the heart of it as it's been on my mind since I watched it. I hope you enjoy this episode. Let me know what you think.

https://billieholiday.com/

Strange Fruit - the story behind "The Song of the Century" - https://youtu.be/EZUoYgPe1Y4

Fact or Fiction about the movie

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