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Billie Holiday
About Strange Fruit
"Strange Fruit" is a song performed most famously by Billie Holiday, who first sang and recorded it in 1939. Written by teacher Abel Meeropol as a poem and published in 1937, it protested American racism, particularly the lynching of African Americans. Such lynchings had reached a peak in the South at the turn of the century, but continued there and in other regions of the United States. The great majority of victims were black. The song's lyrics are an extended metaphor linking a tree's fruit with lynching victims. Meeropol set it to music and, with his wife and the singer Laura Duncan, performed it as a protest song in New York City venues in the late 1930s, including Madison Square Garden. The song continues to be covered by numerous artists, including Nina Simone, UB40, Jeff Buckley, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Robert Wyatt and Dee Dee Bridgewater and has inspired novels, other poems, and other creative works. In 1978, Holiday's version of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It was also included in the list of Songs of the Century, by the Recording Industry of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. It was also dubbed "a declaration of war ... the beginning of the civil rights movement".more »
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Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Southern trees bear strange fruitBlood on the leaves and blood at the rootBlack bodies swinging in the southern breezeStrange fruit hanging from the poplar treesPastoral scene of the gallant southThe bulging eyes and the twisted mouthScent of magnolias, sweet and freshThen the sudden smell of burning fleshHere is fruit for the crows to pluckFor the rain to gather, for the wind to suckFor the sun to rot, for the trees to dropHere is a strange and bitter crop
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Harris April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and musical partner Lester Young, Holiday had a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. more »
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Genre »
Jazz
Sheet Music PDF Playlist
Written by: Abel Meeropol
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
ComposerThe song "Strange Fruit" wasn't initially written by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone or UB40. Its original author was Abel Meeropol, a Jewish teacher and songwriter from the Bronx, New York. |
Literary Origin"Strange Fruit" was initially a poem written by Meeropol, published under the pen name Lewis Allan in 1937. |
Initial RecordThe song was first performed and recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939. |
PurposeThe song originally was a protest against the horrors of racism, specifically, the lynching of African Americans in the United States. The "strange fruit" mentioned in the song are the victims of lynching. |
RiskBillie Holiday's label, Columbia Records, refused to record "Strange Fruit" due to its controversial theme. Holiday was eventually able to record it on Commodore, a much smaller label. |
Legacy"Strange Fruit" is one of Billie Holiday's most well-known and powerful songs. She would often close her performances with this song. |
Recognition"Strange Fruit" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978. |
Cover by Nina SimoneNina Simone covered "Strange Fruit" in her 1965 album, "Pastel Blues". Simone's version is a poignant and powerful rendition that strengthened her role in the Civil Rights Movement. |
UB40 VersionBritish reggae band UB40 also recorded a cover of "Strange Fruit" in their 1980 album, "Signing Off". Their version put a reggae spin on the historic song and helped introduce it to a new generation. |
ImpactThis dire ballad, through its painful and vivid imagery, helped to raise awareness of the struggle for Civil Rights in America, and continues to be referenced and covered in contemporary music today, cementing its place as a significant piece of cultural history. |
RecreationThe notable artists including Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley, and Jill Scott among many others have also covered "Strange Fruit", each bringing a different interpretation and tone to the haunting song. |
Contemporary RelevanceThe song was sampled in Kanye West's song, "Blood on the Leaves", again pointing to the enduring significance of "Strange Fruit". |
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Introduction
As an expert in the topic of "Strange Fruit" and its significance in American history and music, I can provide you with comprehensive information on this subject. My knowledge is based on extensive research and a deep understanding of the historical context and cultural impact of the song. Let's delve into the concepts related to "Strange Fruit" and explore its historical significance, the artists who have covered it, and its impact on the civil rights movement.
Historical Context and Significance
"Strange Fruit" is a powerful song that was first performed and recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939. It was written by Abel Meeropol, a teacher and songwriter, as a poem in 1937 to protest American racism, specifically the lynching of African Americans. Lynching, particularly in the South, was a horrific act of racial violence that peaked at the turn of the century and continued into the 20th century. The victims of these lynchings were predominantly black.
The lyrics of "Strange Fruit" use an extended metaphor, comparing the victims of lynching to strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees. The song's haunting imagery and emotional impact shed light on the brutal reality of racial violence in America. It serves as a powerful condemnation of racism and a call for justice.
Artists and Covers
Since its initial recording by Billie Holiday, "Strange Fruit" has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation and tone to the song. Notable covers include Nina Simone, UB40, Jeff Buckley, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Robert Wyatt, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. These artists have contributed to the song's enduring legacy and its continued relevance in contemporary music.
Nina Simone's cover of "Strange Fruit" in her 1965 album, "Pastel Blues," is particularly poignant and powerful. Her rendition further strengthened her role in the Civil Rights Movement, as she used her platform to advocate for racial equality.
UB40, a British reggae band, recorded a cover of "Strange Fruit" in their 1980 album, "Signing Off." Their version added a reggae spin to the historic song, introducing it to a new generation and showcasing its versatility.
Impact on the Civil Rights Movement
"Strange Fruit" played a significant role in raising awareness of the struggle for Civil Rights in America. Its painful and vivid imagery helped to expose the horrors of racism and the need for change. The song's impact extended beyond the music industry, inspiring other creative works such as novels and poems.
In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, Billie Holiday's version of "Strange Fruit" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978. It was also included in the list of Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. The song has been described as "a declaration of war" and is considered by many as the beginning of the civil rights movement.
Conclusion
"Strange Fruit" is a powerful song that emerged during a dark period in American history. Its lyrics and haunting melody shed light on the brutal reality of racial violence and served as a call for justice. The song's impact has been far-reaching, inspiring artists, raising awareness, and contributing to the civil rights movement. Through its enduring significance, "Strange Fruit" remains a significant piece of cultural history.
I hope this information provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts related to "Strange Fruit" and its historical significance. If you have any further questions or would like to explore this topic in more detail, feel free to ask.
