Billie Holiday (aka Lady Day) was and still is a very influential jazz artist and singer. Holiday's iconic jazz songs and albums flourished at a time when America was experiencing an era of racial intolerance. This project began with the poem by Abel Meeropol (aka Lewis Allan) which constitutes the lyrics of the song. Meeropol was a white Jewish teacher, writer and composer. He also contributed massively to the melody of the song. Strange Fruit debuted at New York's first integrated nightclub performed by Billie Holiday. Holiday's soulful voice and trademark outfits built her personality at the New York Café company. This song was also Holiday's first major recording at Commodore Records as she was not allowed to record it on another label due to the controversy it was expected to cause. After working with Count Basie, she further explored her talents and expanded her abilities through special projects with other notable jazz artists of that era. The eight-piece orchestra of Frankie Newton and Sonny White are the musicians Holiday called upon for this classic jazz song. This brilliant collaboration resulted in one of the most powerful protest songs in American history. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The beginning of the song sounds like the beginning of a horror movie. The shift is sad, dark and dejected, exposed by strange piano and trumpet melodies. Frankie Newton's trumpet creates a mood for the listener as his soft melodies and slow rhythm calm but also dismay the listener. Sonny White then comes in with some improvised piano riffs that raise the mood as it feels like the scene is filled with grievances all around. This provokes imaginings of misery that the lyrics of the song describe. Accompanied by a touch of bluesy jazz, Billie Holiday's extraordinary voice expressed the lyrics with pure power and commitment. This piece ends abruptly after Holiday's strong note-taking. The listener can feel anger and disappointment in the sudden silence – almost a painful epiphany. The lyrics or poem of the song caused much controversy on many radio stations in 1939, as they are both very explicit and revealing. The words were well written in the sense that the word “strange” is not a negative descriptor – it means something out of the ordinary. This made the public pay more attention to it and understand its true meaning. Propaganda at its best: art. The song features a solo for trumpet, piano and (lead) singer. It's stealthy in a way, because it implies that everyone has a voice and that this can be expressed through talent - not always through an actual voice or even violent protest. Solos also allow the listener to focus on what each artist is trying to convey. Holiday's emotional singing over such harsh lyrics only "seals the deal." Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Personalized Essay To conclude, this unique piece moved me in ways I never imagined. . For a first-time listener, I didn't expect to feel anger and sadness simultaneously. I can't imagine what it must have felt like for people in the past who actually experienced racial intolerance. This song was very powerful and..