(Repost) 3/29/21 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Diana Ross- Strange Fruit From Lady Sings The Blues

Strange Fruit a song originally recorded by jazz song stylist Billie Holiday in 1939, written by Abel Meeropol and published in 1937. The song was a  protests the lynching of Black Americans. It was featured in the 1972 film Lady Sings The Blues starring Diana Ross.  Continue reading

6/16/18 O&A NYC DANCE/REVIEW: Philadanco at the Joyce

By Walter Rutledge

Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company) opened their New York City season on June 12 at the Joyce Theater. The eleven- member ensemble performed four works by choreographers Thang Dao, Christopher L. Huggins, and two former Philadanco Company members Dawn Marie Bazemore and Tommie-Waheed Evans. The well curated program used social injustice as the evening’s theme. Continue reading

3/7/24 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY- CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit

Strange Fruit a song performed most famously by Billie Holiday, who first sang and recorded it in 1939. Continue reading

4/7/23 O&A NYC HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILLIE: Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit

Eleanora Fagan was born onApril 7, 1915 in Philadelphia. By 1929 she and her mother moved to Harlem and by age 17 Billie Holiday started he professional career as a jazz and swing music vocalist. Her friend and music partner, Lester Young nicknamed her Lady Day. In 1939 she sang and recorded Strange Fruit a civil rights protest song.  Continue reading

12/4/15 O&A NYC Song Of The Day: Jill Scott- Strange Fruit

Jill Scott

Jill Scott gave a chilling performance of Strange Fruit, the iconic protest song made popular by Bille Holiday, on A&E’s Shining a Light concert special. Scott joined the likes of John Legend, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Aloe Blacc and more for a concert special meant to address racial inequality and violence in America. Continue reading