05

The contrasting themes and traditions in Classical and Baroque Sculpture

Billie Holiday

Holiday was discovered by producer, John Hammond, while she was performing at a Harlem jazz club. Holiday was known for having such melancholy in her voice and creating an emotional connection with her audience. She sang about african american life in the south and her past abusive relationships.

Music During the Harlem Renaissance

Holiday recorded songs with several artists in 1935 including jazz pianist Teddy Wilson. Around the same time, Holiday joined the Count Basie's orchestra. She toured with them throughout 1937 then joined Artie Shaw and his orchestra. Holiday became the first african american female vocalist to work with a white orchestra.

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

Strange Fruit