Billie Holiday was a legendary jazz singer whose emotional depth, unique vocal style, and powerful interpretation of songs made her one of the most influential artists in music history.
Born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia, Billie Holiday became a major jazz vocalist known for her phrasing and expressive approach to song. In 1939 she recorded Abel Meeropol's 'Strange Fruit' for Commodore Records. The song's lyrics protest the lynching of Black people; the Library of Congress describes the recording as bringing the subject of lynching to a commercial record audience and includes it in the National Recording Registry.
Holiday's 1939 recording of 'Strange Fruit' is recognized as an important musical protest against lynching and racial violence.
'Strange Fruit' was written by Abel Meeropol
Holiday recorded it for Commodore Records on April 20, 1939
The Library of Congress selected the recording for the National Recording Registry in 2002
Credible references for the information presented on this page.