About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Lady Sings the Blues' was released in 1956, Billie Holiday was a revered figure in jazz, having established her legacy through a series of influential recordings since the 1930s. This album emerged during a period when she was battling personal struggles, yet continued to captivate audiences with her unique interpretative style.
Why it matters
This album is notable for its raw emotional depth and has been credited with influencing generations of vocalists across jazz and beyond. The inclusion of 'Strange Fruit,' a haunting protest song about racism, solidified its cultural significance, marking it as one of Holiday's most powerful statements.
Essential tracks
- "Lady Sings the Blues" — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, revealing Holiday's deep vulnerability and her signature phrasing that defined her career.
- "Strange Fruit" — 'Strange Fruit' stands out as a harrowing commentary on racial violence, showcasing Holiday's ability to convey profound social messages through music.
- "God Bless the Child" — This classic highlights Holiday's mastery of storytelling through song, blending personal themes with universal truths about love and loss.
Release Date
January 1, 1956
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Lady Sings the Blues 3:47
- 2 Trav’lin’ Light 3:11
- 3 I Must Have That Man 3:07
- 4 Some Other Spring 3:40
- 5 Strange Fruit 3:06
- 6 No Good Man 3:21
- 7 God Bless the Child 4:01
- 8 Good Morning Heartache 3:31
- 9 Love Me or Leave Me 2:38
- 10 Too Marvelous for Words 2:15
- 11 Willow Weep for Me 3:10
- 12 I Thought About You 2:49
- 13 P.S. I Love You 3:39
- 14 Softly 2:58
- 15 Stormy Blues 3:28