Album Info
| Artist: | Billie Holiday |
| Album: | Lady Sings The Blues |
| Released: | Australia, Oct 1977 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Lady Sings The Blues | |
| Written-By - Holiday, Nichols | ||
| A2 | Trav'lin' Light | |
| Written-By - Mundy, Mercer | ||
| A3 | I Must Have That Man | |
| Written-By - McHugh-Fields | ||
| A4 | Some Other Spring | |
| Written-By - Herzog, Kitchings | ||
| A5 | Strange Fruit | |
| Written-By - Allan | ||
| A6 | No Good Man | |
| Written-By - Fisher, Higginbotham, Gallop | ||
| B1 | God Bless The Child | |
| Written-By - Herzog, Holiday | ||
| B2 | Good Morning Heartache | |
| Written-By - Fisher, Drake, Higginbotham | ||
| B3 | Love Me Or Leave Me | |
| Written-By - Kahn, Donaldson | ||
| B4 | Too Marvelous For Words | |
| Written-By - Mercer, Whiting | ||
| B5 | Willow Weep For Me | |
| Written-By - Ronell | ||
| B6 | I Thought About You | |
| Written-By - VanHeusen, Mercer |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
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- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
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- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
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- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Billie Holiday's "Lady Sings the Blues," released in 1956, is a seminal work that stands as a testament to her profound influence on jazz and blues music. This album, which shares its title with her autobiography published the same year, is a deeply personal collection that reflects the tumultuous life and career of one of the most iconic jazz vocalists of the 20th century.
The album features a mix of new recordings and re-recordings of some of Holiday's earlier hits, providing a retrospective look at her career. The title track, "Lady Sings the Blues," is a standout piece that encapsulates the essence of Holiday's artistry. Her voice, with its unique timbre and emotional depth, conveys a sense of vulnerability and resilience that resonates throughout the album. The song's lyrics, co-written by Holiday herself, offer a poignant glimpse into her struggles and triumphs, making it a deeply moving experience for listeners.
Another highlight of the album is "Strange Fruit," a haunting protest song about the lynching of African Americans in the South. Originally recorded in 1939, this re-recording retains its chilling power and remains one of Holiday's most significant contributions to music and civil rights. The stark imagery and Holiday's emotive delivery make it a powerful statement against racial injustice, cementing its place in history as a crucial piece of protest art.
"God Bless the Child," another re-recorded track, showcases Holiday's ability to blend jazz with elements of blues and gospel. The song, co-written with Arthur Herzog Jr., is inspired by a personal experience with her mother and speaks to themes of independence and self-reliance. Holiday's performance is both soulful and assertive, highlighting her skill as a storyteller through music.
The album also includes "Good Morning Heartache," a song that exemplifies Holiday's ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace. Her interpretation of heartache and longing is both intimate and universal, drawing listeners into her world with every note.
Critically, "Lady Sings the Blues" was well-received upon its release and has since been regarded as one of Holiday's most important works. The album's raw emotional honesty and Holiday's distinctive vocal style have earned it a lasting legacy in the jazz canon. While it did not win any major awards at the time, its cultural and historical significance has only grown over the decades.
Holiday's influence on subsequent generations of musicians is immeasurable. Her ability to infuse songs with personal emotion and her pioneering role as a female African American artist in a predominantly male industry have inspired countless artists across genres. "Lady Sings the Blues" serves as a powerful reminder of her enduring impact on music and culture.
The album's production, led by Norman Granz, founder of Verve Records, is notable for its simplicity and focus on Holiday's voice. The arrangements, featuring musicians like Tony Scott on clarinet and Paul Quinichette on tenor saxophone, provide a subtle yet effective backdrop that allows Holiday's vocals to shine. This minimalist approach enhances the emotional weight of the songs, drawing attention to Holiday's expressive delivery.
In summary, "Lady Sings the Blues" is a masterful album that captures the essence of Billie Holiday's artistry. It is a deeply personal and historically significant work that continues to resonate with audiences today. Through its standout tracks and Holiday's unparalleled vocal performances, the album offers a poignant reflection on her life and legacy, solidifying her status as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.
