Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit

Many people have heard Billie Holiday's immortal song Strange Fruit, but few understand it's meaning and it's unique history. The song was written by Abel Meeropol, a jewish high school teacher from the Bronx. The song not only assaults racism in America, but also that uniquely American institution known as the lynch. Using razor-like imagery, the song depicts the gruesome and savage scene of a black man or woman hanging from a poplar tree in the deep south.

The song is uncharacteristic of Holiday. In fact, when she was first given the sheet music and lyrics by Meeropol she didn't understand what the song was alluding to. After Meeropol explained the intention of the song, Billie made it her own. While watching the video you can see so many subtle gestures in her face and her body that expose her deep understanding and feeling toward the song. It is a haunting track that is neither Jazz nor classical. In fact, it's not anything other than an incredibly powerful statement against the cruelty of racism in America.

I should also say that the music of this track is provided by the one and only Mal Waldron who also demonstrates a deep sensitivity and understanding of the song and it's impact on the audience. Waldron is unfortunately one of the most underrated figures of Jazz music and I believe that it is important to give credit to him in the production of this song.

If you would like to know more about this song, I recommend reading Strange Fruit: A Biography of a Song by David Margolick.

EDJ