Lady Sings the Blues: The 50th-Anniversay Edition with a Revised Discography (Harlem Moon Classics)

Born Eleanora Fagan in 1915 in Philadelphia to a 13-year-old mother, Billie Holiday first listened to jazz on a Victrola in a whorehouse, in exchange for working as a maid. Her memoir chronicles her rise from poverty to stardom during the Jim Crow years and her addiction to heroin, of which she died in 1959 at the age of 44. In the introduction to this book, lyricist David Ritz argues the "truthfulness" of Billie Holiday's autobiography. Are all of the details strictly factual? No, history has shown us that some of them were embellished. But the underlying pathos and poignance of her words are undeniably real and reveal the true heart of this woman, perhaps the greatest jazz singer to ever live. Read this book as you would read poetry, and enjoy it for its tender and stirring depth, its insights into a bygone era, and, yes, its emotional honesty.

Everything

I have always loved Billie Holiday, her voice was so distinctive. My favorite song is God Bless the Child thats Got Its On. The book Lady Sings the Blue was so different from the movie featured decades ago. This book told her entire life story growing up in Baltimore. It explains the relationship with her mother, and the addictions she had that landed her in and out of jail.. I enjoyed the stories of her road trips. The author made you feel you were right there on the tour bus, and in the sleazy hotels. If you are a Billie Holiday fan, or a old blues fan, you will enjoy this book.

Used the book as a historical reference for my 95 year old mother who grew up one block away from Lady Day at 106 S. Durham Street, Baltimore, MD. According to my Mom the early chapters are 100% accurate. She remembers the neighborhood brothels that religious immigrant familes tried to condem, Afro block parties where diverse ethnnic neighbors joined in Negro spiritual song, and even playing jump rope with very young Billie. It was fun reading the book aloud to my Mom in Ms Day's regional dialect. We loved the book, well written and accurate.

Much has been said about this book not being entirely factual and Billie's recollections possibly being flawed so I went into it with that in mind. Whether you are a long-time fan of Billie Holiday or just recently got into her via Andra Day's amazing performance in 'The United States Versus Billie Holiday' I guarantee you will love this. It is written in a conversational way where you feel like Billie is really talking to you recalling all her crazy adventures.The only sad part is that she had so many hopes and plans for the future when this book was put together and yet she died three years later.

Billie' s childhood was sad, growing up in those years were hard for so many, and being black made it even harder. I wonder had she been more educated, how different things would have been for her. So many young people had little education back then. But she pushed on and made a name for herself... although, written by her, it doesn't sound like her life was very happy,and it certainly was short. Amazing voice, sad she isn't still with us.

Whether or not you’re a fan of jazz and blues great Billie Holiday (Lady Day); and her music, this book reveals a great deal about her life. It contains thoughts regarding her hopes and dreams, day to day realities, and the strength that caused her to endure great tragedies. Would recommend to anyone interested in the autobiography of Billie Holiday’s life.

I really enjoyed learning about Billie Holliday’s life from her perspective. I felt like I was sitting with her listening to her share her life story with me. I wanted to know even more about her after the book ended.

Must have for any Lady Day fan.

La versione italiana, ha delle recensioni non proprio positive, da qui l'acquisto dell'originale in lingua inglese.Un'artista da conoscere e da ascoltare.

really interesting insight to Billie's life as she saw it, great read and adds another dimension when listening to her sing.

Il libro è arrivato in pochi giorni, usato ma in buone condizioni, molto interessante il racconto di Billy Holiday, mi ha fatto entrare nella New York anni trenta e quaranta e nella storia della musica nera jazz in USA. Da leggere.

tant qu'elle est strictement personnelle et liée à l'enfance (violences, humiliations), elle reste aussi attachante sinon plus quand elledevient professionnelle. Mais pour apprécier sérieusement, cette seconde facette — la plus importante — il faut connaître le jazz que je neconnais pas. Une radio française a proposé une explication de texte d'une chanson que j'écoutais sans en suivre les paroles:"Strange fruit". Et ces fruits étranges qui sont accrochés aux branches ne sont autres que les corps calcinés de Noirs qui ont été lynchés, brûlés et pendus. On frissonne d'horreur à l'heure où les violences raciales se manifestent à nouveau de façon inquiétante aux Etats-Unis.Je crois qu'il faut lire et analyser ces chansons de Billie Holiday,* lorsqu'elle aborde des sujets moins évidents que "The Man I love"* On les trouve sur internet sous le titre de "Lyrics of Bilie Holiday