Billie Holiday (aka Lady Day) was and still is a very influential jazz artist and singer. Holiday's iconic jazz songs and albums thrived in a time when America was experiencing a period of racial intolerance. This project began with the poem by Abel Meeropol (aka Lewis Allan) which forms the lyrics to the song. Meeropol was a white Jewish teacher, writer, and songwriter. He also contributed massively to the melody of the song. Strange Fruit debuted in New York's first integrated nightclub starring Billie Holiday. Holiday's soulful voice and distinctive clothes built her personality in New York Café society. This song was also Holiday's first major recording at Commodore Records because she was refused recording it at another label due to the controversy it was expected to stir. After working with Count Basie, he further explored his talent and expanded his skills through special projects with other notable jazz artists of the time. The eight-piece orchestra of Frankie Newton and Sonny White were the musicians Holiday turned to for this classic jazz song. This brilliant collaboration produced one of the most powerful protest songs in American history. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The beginning of the song sounds like the beginning of a horror movie. The contrast is sad, dark and dejected, exhibited by haunting piano and trumpet melodies. Frankie Newton's trumpet creates a mood for the listener as its soft melodies and slow rhythm both calm and dismay the listener. Sonny White then comes in with improvised piano riffs that put the atmosphere on a rollercoaster, as it seems like the stage is filled with complaints everywhere. It provokes imaginations of misery described by the lyrics of the song. Accompanied by a blues jazz touch, Billie Holiday's extraordinary voice expressed the lyrics with pure power and involvement. This track ends abruptly after the strong hold of Holiday's note. The listener may feel anger and disappointment in the sudden silence - almost a painful epiphany. The lyrics or poetry of the song caused a lot of controversy in many radio stations in 1939 because it is very explicit as well as explicit. 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 allowed the public to pay more attention to it and understand its true meaning. Propaganda in its best form - art. The song has a solo for trumpet, piano and (lead) singer. This is somewhat hidden as it implies that all people have a voice and this can be demonstrated through talent - not always 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 of such harsh lyrics only "seals the deal." Remember: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay To conclude, this single track moved me in ways I never imagined. As a novice listener, I didn't expect to feel angry and sad at the same time—I can't imagine what people in the past who have actually experienced racial intolerance must have felt. This song was very powerful and empathetic. The lyrics set a scene where there are beautiful trees that bring life and sustain the.