The original biopic of Billie Holiday isn't much more historically accurate than the more recent one, fatally hurt by Diana Ross singing like herself instead of the icon of jazz.
To truly grasp the impact of a film released over 50 years ago, you must immerse yourself in the historical context of its era. Consider 1972: a nation grappling with the recent assassinations of prominent figures like John F. Kennedy (1963), Robert F. Kennedy (1968), Martin Luther King Jr. (1968), and Malcolm X (1965). Segregation under Jim Crow laws had only recently ended with the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Black Power movement was in full swing, and the country was deeply embroiled in the Vietnam War, sparking widespread protests.
Domestically, the Watergate scandal was unfolding, J. Edgar Hoover had just died (1972), and Vice President Spiro Agnew would resign due to criminal charges in 1973. Race riots had shaken many cities throughout the late 1960s. Crucially, the public was largely unaware of the extent of the FBI's widespread corruption and illegal activities, which would only come to light decades later. This includes the targeted harassment of figures like Billie Holiday, hounded relentlessly by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, a campaign that tragically contributed to her early death.
In this landscape, films with predominantly Black casts were rare, often limited to the "Blaxploitation" genre. "Lady Sings the Blues," released in 1972, was a fictionalized account based on Billie Holiday's own autobiography. Featuring glamorous Black actors in exquisite designer clothing and timeless music that reignited jazz's appeal. This was a significant cultural event and a cause for celebration within the Black community.
If you listen to Diana Ross's earlier music from that era, her heartfelt delivery in "Lady Sings the Blues" is undeniable; these songs clearly held deep personal meaning for her. For my family, already devoted Billie Holiday fans, the film and its accompanying double album soundtrack were cherished and they never complained that Diana Ross didn't sound like Billie Holiday. My own introduction to Lady Day came through Diana Ross's powerful performance on that soundtrack, which featured full versions of every song and more. Ross's vocals were exceptional, a departure from her usual Motown hits or bubblegum pop. She stretched her vocal range, venturing beyond her comfort zone and avoiding her trademark falsetto, showcasing a remarkable depth. I became a Billie Holiday fan after this movie and started listening to all of my Gram's and GreatGrands's Billie Holiday albums, along with Nat "King" Cole, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, among others.
Furthermore, for her very first acting role, Diana Ross delivered a commendable performance. While she neither looked nor sounded precisely like Billie Holiday, attempting a direct imitation might have veered into parody. Instead, Ross skillfully unearthed Billie's vulnerability, beauty, and triumphs, bringing them compellingly to the forefront. There's a reason both she and, decades later, Andra Day (for "The United States vs. Billie Holiday") received Best Actress Oscar nominations for their portrayals.
It's important to remember that neither film offers a completely accurate depiction of Billie Holiday's life; the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. "Lady Sings the Blues" presents a more romanticized and lighter narrative, perhaps reflecting a hopeful vision of her life. In contrast, "The United States vs. Billie Holiday" leans into a darker, more melancholic grittiness, frequently showcasing her at her lowest points, seemingly devoid of positive experiences, hopes, aspirations, loving relationships, or even her sense of humor. Such a bleak portrayal might almost suggest that heroin addiction was a reasonable escape from such a dismal existence.
I think both films are good companion pieces that should be watched together in chronological order. I liked both films and enjoyed both performances.
To truly grasp the impact of a film released over 50 years ago, you must immerse yourself in the historical context of its era. Consider 1972: a nation grappling with the recent assassinations of prominent figures like John F. Kennedy (1963), Robert F. Kennedy (1968), Martin Luther King Jr. (1968), and Malcolm X (1965). Segregation under Jim Crow laws had only recently ended with the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Black Power movement was in full swing, and the country was deeply embroiled in the Vietnam War, sparking widespread protests.
Domestically, the Watergate scandal was unfolding, J. Edgar Hoover had just died (1972), and Vice President Spiro Agnew would resign due to criminal charges in 1973. Race riots had shaken many cities throughout the late 1960s. Crucially, the public was largely unaware of the extent of the FBI's widespread corruption and illegal activities, which would only come to light decades later. This includes the targeted harassment of figures like Billie Holiday, hounded relentlessly by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, a campaign that tragically contributed to her early death.
In this landscape, films with predominantly Black casts were rare, often limited to the "Blaxploitation" genre. "Lady Sings the Blues," released in 1972, was a fictionalized account based on Billie Holiday's own autobiography. Featuring glamorous Black actors in exquisite designer clothing and timeless music that reignited jazz's appeal. This was a significant cultural event and a cause for celebration within the Black community.
If you listen to Diana Ross's earlier music from that era, her heartfelt delivery in "Lady Sings the Blues" is undeniable; these songs clearly held deep personal meaning for her. For my family, already devoted Billie Holiday fans, the film and its accompanying double album soundtrack were cherished and they never complained that Diana Ross didn't sound like Billie Holiday. My own introduction to Lady Day came through Diana Ross's powerful performance on that soundtrack, which featured full versions of every song and more. Ross's vocals were exceptional, a departure from her usual Motown hits or bubblegum pop. She stretched her vocal range, venturing beyond her comfort zone and avoiding her trademark falsetto, showcasing a remarkable depth. I became a Billie Holiday fan after this movie and started listening to all of my Gram's and GreatGrands's Billie Holiday albums, along with Nat "King" Cole, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, among others.
Furthermore, for her very first acting role, Diana Ross delivered a commendable performance. While she neither looked nor sounded precisely like Billie Holiday, attempting a direct imitation might have veered into parody. Instead, Ross skillfully unearthed Billie's vulnerability, beauty, and triumphs, bringing them compellingly to the forefront. There's a reason both she and, decades later, Andra Day (for "The United States vs. Billie Holiday") received Best Actress Oscar nominations for their portrayals.
It's important to remember that neither film offers a completely accurate depiction of Billie Holiday's life; the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. "Lady Sings the Blues" presents a more romanticized and lighter narrative, perhaps reflecting a hopeful vision of her life. In contrast, "The United States vs. Billie Holiday" leans into a darker, more melancholic grittiness, frequently showcasing her at her lowest points, seemingly devoid of positive experiences, hopes, aspirations, loving relationships, or even her sense of humor. Such a bleak portrayal might almost suggest that heroin addiction was a reasonable escape from such a dismal existence.
I think both films are good companion pieces that should be watched together in chronological order. I liked both films and enjoyed both performances.
Thanks for this incredible and thoughtful response! I almost feel like we should post it as a separate article…
Diana sings the hell out of songs. What movie were you watching
Agreed.
She may sing it well, but does she sing it like Billie Holiday?
I much rather that she sang in the style she did over just lip synching the songs.
The direction was too loose. Scenes needed to be trimmed to make room for more substance. Of course, that needed to begin with a better script.