“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Strange Fruit” Live 1959 by Billie Holiday is a powerful and haunting rendition of a song that has become an iconic protest against racism and injustice. Recorded live in 1959, this performance captures the emotional depth and raw intensity of Holiday’s delivery, helping to cement her legacy as one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. Her interpretation of “Strange Fruit” remains a poignant reminder of the racial violence and oppression that African Americans have faced throughout history.
The song, originally written as a poem by Abel Meeropol in 1937 and famously performed by Holiday, addresses the brutal reality of lynching in the American South. Its stark imagery and mournful tone make it a chilling commentary on racial hatred and violence. Holiday’s live performance in 1959, occurring just months before her death, highlights her ability to convey profound emotion and social commentary through music.
About The Composition
- Title: “Strange Fruit” Live 1959
- Composer: Abel Meeropol
- Premiere Date: 1939
- Album/Opus/Collection: [From Wikipedia or “Unknown”]
- Genre: Jazz, Protest Song
Background
“Strange Fruit” was originally a poem written by Abel Meeropol, a Jewish schoolteacher from the Bronx, who was deeply disturbed by the persistence of racism and particularly lynching in America. The poem was set to music and first performed by Meeropol’s wife before becoming associated with Billie Holiday. Holiday’s recording of the song in 1939 brought it to national prominence and it became one of her signature pieces. The song’s stark and haunting imagery of “black bodies swinging in the southern breeze” brought the horrific reality of racial violence to the forefront of American consciousness.
Musical Style
“Strange Fruit” is characterized by its slow, mournful tempo and minimalistic arrangement, allowing Holiday’s voice to be the focal point. The somber melody, combined with the stark and vivid lyrics, creates a haunting atmosphere. The use of minor chords and the song’s deliberate pacing convey a sense of foreboding and sorrow, underscoring the gravity of the song’s message.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Strange Fruit” are a powerful indictment of racial violence, using vivid and shocking imagery to depict the horror of lynching. The song’s metaphor of “strange fruit” hanging from trees is a poignant representation of the black bodies that were victims of racial terror. Through its stark and evocative language, the song challenges listeners to confront the brutality and inhumanity of racism.
Performance History
Billie Holiday’s live performances of “Strange Fruit” were known for their emotional intensity and powerful delivery. The song became a staple in her live repertoire and she often closed her sets with it, using it as a powerful statement on the racial injustices of her time. The 1959 live performance is particularly notable as it captures the raw emotion and urgency of Holiday’s interpretation, performed during a period when civil rights issues were gaining increasing attention in America.
Cultural Impact
“Strange Fruit” has had a profound cultural impact, influencing numerous artists and appearing in various media. It has been covered by a wide range of musicians, from Nina Simone to Jeff Buckley, each bringing their own interpretation to the song’s powerful message. The song has been featured in films and documentaries about Billie Holiday and the civil rights movement, serving as a potent reminder of America’s history of racial violence and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
Legacy
Today, “Strange Fruit” is regarded as one of the most important protest songs of the 20th century. It continues to be a powerful symbol of the fight against racism and injustice, resonating with new generations who are confronted with ongoing racial inequality. Billie Holiday’s rendition of the song remains a testament to the power of music as a tool for social change and a call to action against the evils of discrimination and hatred.
Conclusion
“Strange Fruit” Live 1959 by Billie Holiday is more than just a song; it is a searing social commentary that continues to resonate with audiences today. Holiday’s performance is a haunting yet beautiful reminder of the power of music to challenge and inspire change. I encourage you to listen to this recording and explore its history further, as it remains a vital piece of cultural heritage and a call for ongoing awareness and action against racial injustice.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees
[Verse 2]
Pastoral scene of the gallant south
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh
[Verse 3]
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 the tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop