Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit (1939)

With today seeing the passing of a 21st century diva, I wanted to go back to the motherlode for her style of vocals.

I’ve always been uncomfortable with those who sing in the ”karaoke” Billie Holiday/Nina Simone style that now abounds … can’t people sing in their “own” voices? I’d prefer it …

Strange Fruit is one of the greatest records of the 20th century. A highly political statement:

Southern trees bear a strange fruit

Blood on the leaves and blood at the root

Black body swinging in the Southern breeze

 Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees

 Pastoral scene of the gallant South

The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth

Scent of magnolia sweet and fresh

And the sudden smell of burning flesh

Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck

For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,

For the sun to rot, for a tree to drop,

Here is a strange and bitter crop

Original studio version then an unbelieavable live version.