Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Billie Holiday at 100

Billie Holiday
1915-1959


100 years ago today, Billie Holiday was born into a very difficult childhood in Philadelphia.  Many actors, singers, and artists are remembered for only a short time...but, Billie's is a voice (and message) for the ages. Her message is as relevant (maybe more) today as it was in her own lifetime...she is considered one of the first to use her music/ lyrics to protest as an early "Civil Rights" leader.


"My Man Don't Love Me" Live Performance

Billie sang about love, pain, racism, sexism, drugs, feminism, violence, etc. and is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. I believe that if she were alive today she would be more than just a singer (unlike most hedonistic-artists today), using her music to protest the "Strange Fruit" of the 21st Century...racial profiling, police brutality, poverty, unjust wars, objectification of women, political corruption, Native genocide, etc.  I also believe they'll be listening to her music and message 200/ 300 years from now!

Happy Birthday Billie...





No comments:

Post a Comment