"Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday
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2020-09-23T00:14:31-07:00
The song "Strange Fruit" sung by Billie Holiday is known to be the greatest Civil Rights Protest songs ever written. Billie courageously tackles the line between political and pop that leaves a lasting stain on our culture and the movement. This song, originally written by Abel Meeropol, a jewish communist, was the first to show an explicit act of politics, the lynching of Black individuals in the South, to the entertainment world. This song, when heard, is a typical popular jazz song of the 60s however, when listened to, the meaning pierces through the song and creates an eerie scene in the room. Billie, as the strong female activist she is, stands proud performing these songs in solidarity with those fighting for their rights. She uses her platform to highlight the social issues that were traumatizing the Black community in America and fought, through the song, for freedom and equal rights.