Billie Holiday - Fine and Mellow

Billie Holiday grew up in Baltimore in the 20s. She also grew up through the great depression as well. She made her way to the jazz rich city of New York where she began to grow as one of the best jazz vocalists along side Ella Fitzgerald.

The Harlem Renaissance in the 20s was a fantastic time for jazz. A great deal of new ideas and creative music coming from many talented African Americans, such as Louis Armstrong, were molded together to help shape jazz before the great depression and the swing era. This golden age for jazz helped inspire young Billie Holiday and is what drew her to New York City.

As a singer, Holiday was able to comment on social issues using the lyrics in her songs such as "Strange Fruit" which is about the lynchings of African Americans. Not only do her lyrics send a message but the music itself makes a point. In the song posted, "Fine and Mellow", the music is a 12 bar blues meant for singing the blues and that is exactly what Holiday does in this song singing about "her man". Though her voice is beautiful I find her lyrics to be quite depressing but, I admire her boldness in the commentary on the social issues at the time whether it be African American oppression or abuse to women. Listen for the sad tone in her voice in this song "Fine and Mellow" and listen to the accompaniment and how it's style compliments Miss Holidays voice.