Billie Holiday (Blues or Jazz?)

[Gilbert]

Some jazz CD's that were given to me had several songs by her, and I was so smitten with the timbre of her voice that I finally decided to get some more of her music. She sings the blues, of that there is no doubt in my mind, but why is she most famous or noted as a Jazz singer? Sounds like Blues to me. But, eitherway that voice can not be described by words alone, incredible.

[oldenough]

She was truly a great. I think Jazz/Blues are such close cousins what you call some of it depends on the solo's and the instruments there played on.

[nomad02rider]

Can you recomend one of her cd's? I like to experiment with stuff I am not familiar with.

[Macho Nacho]

She started out basically recording with jazz artists, such a Goodman, Ellington etc, though I can understand you thinking she is more blues, she has strong Blues influences in her performances.

[Gilbert]

Can you recomend one of her cd's? I like to experiment with stuff I am not familiar with.

Here ya go.....

[ben.]

Blues or Jazz?

The answer is "Yes".

[flannj]

Can you recomend one of her cd's? I like to experiment with stuff I am not familiar with.

 

Here ya go.....

 

 

Gilbert,

Got that one , great album.

It's both, which means twice the listening pleasure.

This discussion makes me think of this song:

All you people, you know the blues got a soul
Well this is a story, a story never been told
Well you know the blues got pregnant
And they named the baby Rock & Roll

Muddy Waters said it, you know the blues got a soul
James Brown said it, you know the blues got a soul
Well the blues had a baby and they named the baby rock & roll

Ray Charles said it, you know the blues got a soul
John Lee Hooker said it, you know the blues got a soul
Well the blues had a baby and they named the baby rock and roll

Otis Redding said it, you know the blues got a soul
Queen Victoria said it, you know the blues got a soul
Well the blues had a baby and they named the baby Rock n' Roll. 

(Lyrics by Muddy Waters)

[Allan Songer]

Bille sang the blues. She also sang pop standards and orginal compositions as well.

She is the greatest female jazz singer. Period.

I have about 50 Billie Holiday LPs and a whole mess of 78s too.

Southern trees bear 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.



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.



Here is fruit for the crows to pluck,

For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,

For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,

Here is a strange and bitter crop

[boomac]

Here are two selections that Allan Songer recommended several years ago. He figures these to be the two best.

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Billie Holiday "Songs for Disingueshed Lovers" Verve

Billie Holiday "All or Nothing At All" Verve

I have both and enjoy them frequently.

[oldbuckster]

That is a DISGUSTING Photo .............. but, it's the Truth, we should be ashamed ................ Billie Holliday sang anything she wanted, no labels, Jazz, Scat, Blues, etc., she left us way too early !!!!!!!!!!!

[PositivAttitude]

I could'nt believe it but about a month ago I walked into my daughters room and asked her who was singing on the CD. She told me "Billie Holiday, I really like her" ... I was knocked out !! She had gone out and had bought that "Best of" CD. It is very good music but from a Rap listener.My little girl is growing up !!!

[kaiser SET say]

This is one of my favorites works from Ms. Holiday (Lady Day) and you can pick this box set up in excellent condition for as little as $9.98 out at CDNow.com (The liner note booklet is worth the $10 spot alone) 50 songs (not mainstream but alt takes and some previously unreleased stuff that is only to be had in this set) you will never forget if you really listen to them delivered with as much inner soul as can be had[]

Billie could have had her own genre and it would have been called Bluass[H]

[jacksonbart]

Take a listen of Nina Simone, very different and haunting female vocalist, who was also quite a piano player.

[Gilbert]

Here are two selections that Allan Songer recommended several years ago. He figures these to be the two best.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Billie Holiday "Songs for Disingueshed Lovers" Verve

Billie Holiday "All or Nothing At All" Verve

I have both and enjoy them frequently.

Thanks Boomac, I'll make it point to get those LP's that Allan recommended.

Allan, I've heard the song, and remember those lyrics like it was yesterday. Though actually about 20 yrs. ago. In particular, I remember the ghostly voice in which she sang the song. No thanks for the flash-back photo, I could have done without that.

Not sure way you tossed it in, but would like to know.

See ya guys......