Sinatra said that Billie had a way "of living in the interior" of her songs and that was one of the reasons her singing and recordings were so powerful. Fine praise indeed...
I fell in love with Billie when I was 12 after seeing "Lady Sings the blues". I researched the real Lady Day and discovered that my dad, a jazz enthusiast, had an orginal 78 recording of hers- "I cover the waterfront". It is now in my collection. Priceless. She died just weeks before I was born in '59. I've always felt some kind of strange connection- maybe it's just an understanding of her melancholy music.
This is simply the best interpretation of this song, bar none. Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and all the well-knowns used to sit in the clubs where Miss Billie played to listen and learn. Her phrasing was perfection, her interpretation kickass and wonderful, and Lady Day just took no prisoners when she sang that song. Rest in peace, sweet lady, and thank you from the heart for all the precious gifts of song. No one has ever done you better!
I like Lena Horne 's version ( performed on the Ed Sullivan show) best. While this version is nice, it's likely to put some to sleep--- While Lena Horne 's version is more likely to wake you up.
Her placement of words in phrases in sentences in the whole thing is impeccable and makes the song unique. Her musical phrasing is equally exceptional. She has to be the greatest singer of the 20th century in the genre of jazz and standars..
Nobody better than Lady Day! NOBODY! God blessed this great woman with such a gift! Such a GIFT! Heaven is so LUCKY! So FORTUNATE to have her singing with the Angels right now!
Ben Liley Replying suddenly to a post 10 months old ????? .. God, do you wake up and say "Today I will be an idiot", or does it just come naturally ? Now go troll at 12 yearoldswithgeneticdisorder .com or something. you spooge guzzling, garbage eating deluded limey, your interrupting a serious discussion between humans ! Any attempt to discuss jazz music with you would be more complicated than teaching Einsteins relativity theory to a chimpanzee !!!!
I've sung jazz and blues for years and Billie is my favorite. Never really been able to get into "soul" except for good dance music, but I can feel what she feels.
God, her warm, autumn, soft voice gives me so much pleasure... it's unbelievable, divine.. I love to be an audiophile and have an oportunity to know this voice!
When I am feeling low and need to reenergize my mind, body and soul this is the angel I listen to. Sorry Mrs Holiday but it's you're fault because, the first note I heard from you I fell in love with you. An amazing woman with an amazing talent!
Wow I would love to search my roots and find that this beautiful lady was in my family!!!! There are not many if any women of her caliber alive anymore. Ms. Horne gone, Ethel Waters, Bessie Smith....etc the singers today could only wish they could REALLY sing!!!! ( I hate talking aobut their personal lives, I am talking about their class, style, legacy to the black race) thanks for this post!
A fantastically written tune! Billie moves me with her rendition. I also like Lena Horne's take on the song and of course Sinatra sings the definitive version(in my opinion).
mike curt With all due respect to Sinatra, for me, the definitive version belongs to Billie. She wraps her soul around it, as if the song was written for her. Incidentally, Billie's record her version more than a year before Sinatra's more celebrated version, at the same recording studio (Capitol) in Los Angeles. A classic tune interpreted by two great artists in their own inimitable ways.
TheBilliefan Hey, I didn't know that Billie recorded her version prior to Sinatra's. Billie wrapped her soul around just about every tune she recorded! :-) The lyric to me always seemed to be reflective of a man's point of view and therefore more effective when sung by a male vocalist. Obviously, the song works either way, whether sung by a male or female...I Just love Sinatra's version best!lol
mike curt I guess we can both say that Billie and Frank sang their own definitive versions. I think it's a song that both sexes can sing effectively with the right interpreter. Lena's version is also sublime, but Billie (as you so rightfully said) truly wrapped her soul around just about every tune she recorded.
@TarantinoFan Thanks for the posting. I, too, am a great fan of Frank Sinatra's music, and he certainly did right with this song. He had often credited Miss Billie for the influence she had on his song phrasing, and that influence is evident in much of his work. I think that is a measure of great musical artists. They learn from each other and then make it their own in the end. Miss Billie, Sinatra, Bennett, Miss Sarah, Miss Ella etc.. They were and are our musical treasures.
There was a photo of Billie on the vid that was soooooo sad I wanted to reach out and touch her! And all the photos depicted her ups and (mostly) downs through the years But that aside, yes, the video was fantastic. Her voice came through clear as a bell Thank you for this post
So glad I saved this from over a year ago. Perfect artistry and great sound quality on your part...you know She would appreciate your hard work. Thanks on behalf of all Her fans!
This is song is a masterpiece. If you see the version Bette Midler sang to Johnny Carson, it will make you tear up. She was so sincere in her words to Johnny, even he shed a tear or two. It was on his last night on the Tonight Show.
@somewarnvictorysomed I hear you. Miss Ella and Miss Billie were simply the finest. I had the honor of seeing Ella and The Duke perform together in the late 60's and it was a first class evening every second of their performance. Now THESE were the musicians and singers who set the standards in jazz and popular music. No gimmicks, no hype; they had TALENT, and it all speaks for itself. I am so very grateful their gifts live on.
Exquisite. The next time you play this recording (and there will be a next time), follow the piano. There's a conversation going on among the musicians and Lady Day.
The original blues angel, just love her still. Thank you TH-cam for bringing her to me to hear, an 84yearold blues fan.
I hope you are still so elegant and smiling while you listen to this great song.
Likewise my music loving friend, THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU is always comforting for me
Sinatra said that Billie had a way "of living in the interior" of her songs and that was one of the reasons her singing and recordings were so powerful.
Fine praise indeed...
I fell in love with Billie when I was 12 after seeing "Lady Sings the blues". I researched the real Lady Day and discovered that my dad, a jazz enthusiast, had an orginal 78 recording of hers- "I cover the waterfront". It is now in my collection. Priceless. She died just weeks before I was born in '59. I've always felt some kind of strange connection- maybe it's just an understanding of her melancholy music.
If there's a lounge in Heaven, I'll be there, front and center, nursing the blues with a whisky, and Billie as the headliner.
This is simply the best interpretation of this song, bar none. Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and all the well-knowns used to sit in the clubs where Miss Billie played to listen and learn. Her phrasing was perfection, her interpretation kickass and wonderful, and Lady Day just took no prisoners when she sang that song. Rest in peace, sweet lady, and thank you from the heart for all the precious gifts of song. No one has ever done you better!
I like Lena Horne 's version ( performed on the Ed Sullivan show) best.
While this version is nice, it's likely to put some to sleep---
While Lena Horne 's version is more likely to wake you up.
Her placement of words in phrases in sentences in the whole thing is impeccable and makes the song unique. Her musical phrasing is equally exceptional. She has to be the greatest singer of the 20th century in the genre of jazz and standars..
She suffered but she was/is the best. Love you Billie.
relaineau SO TRUE !!!!
No music before or since has been as heartbreakingly personal, and delivered with such talent and taste.
No artifice, just the Truth, the emotional truth. Unique, exceptional, unforgettable.
Artistry.
My dad had a great taste in music and thankfully he passed his tastes onto me. Billy was just wonderful
Absolutely adore Billie's voice and this rendition.
I prefer Lena Horne's performance on the Ed Sullivan show
I've always loved this special, beautiful, talented, and tortured lady!
Nobody better than Lady Day! NOBODY! God blessed this great woman with such a gift! Such a GIFT! Heaven is so LUCKY! So FORTUNATE to have her singing with the Angels right now!
She is a true singer on the facts of life and on mans trials and tribulations. May your music last forever.
Yes, thats right. This will get older every year, but she will always be one of the finest singers ever to me.
The greatest jazz singer ever..Period...
+Ben Liley get a life then pull your head out and live it or is this it
Jeffrey Hernandez Ben Liley is brainless troll not to be taken seriously..
Ben Liley Replying suddenly to a post 10 months old ????? .. God, do you wake up and say "Today I will be an idiot", or does it just come naturally ? Now go troll at 12 yearoldswithgeneticdisorder .com or something. you spooge guzzling, garbage eating deluded limey, your interrupting a serious discussion between humans !
Any attempt to discuss jazz music with you would be more complicated than teaching Einsteins relativity theory to a chimpanzee !!!!
The greatest drinking song aver written.
about drinking or about lonelines,solitude?
We might as well close shop now. No use listening to other music after hearing Billie as there is no comparison.
Fabulous performer backed by fabulous musicians
there will never be another like her..amazing
Great pictorial history. Thanks for sharing.
She wore her music. It was her life. Lady truly sang the blues.
Beauty Is As Beauty Does..Marvelous Billie never forgotten.. 2020 sounds still Amazing
Heartbreaking Perfection. Whoa...just makes me want to cry.
I've sung jazz and blues for years and Billie is my favorite. Never really been able to get into "soul" except for good dance music, but I can feel what she feels.
This is the best mix of Billie Holiday I've come across on-line. Every song, a hit song.
Lady Day ,the only and never forgotten . great trumpet backing . kids will never grow up with real classic blues today.
Billie always has a separate part in my heart.
Such and beautiful voice
Thanks for posting
I can smell the gin, the lingering cigarettes and the floral perfumes in a dim lit lounge...i was so born in the wrong era.
Mzlogic2011 you hit that SHIT rite on the head, time machine please
I can smell the drug. The musty, earthy smell of it and taste the blood. I can feel her pain and I can feel her relief.
You and me both...
The greatest female jazz singer. A blessing for us all.
She is and always will be the Queen of jazz, Thanks for the great posting!
Never knew this version existed!! incredible!!!!!!
Whenever a Billie Holiday song comes on I'm forced to stop, close my eyes and just listen to the magic.
And that's what it is.......magic !
beautiful, one of the best of hers , thanks so much for the quality upload.
God, her warm, autumn, soft voice gives me so much pleasure... it's unbelievable, divine.. I love to be an audiophile and have an oportunity to know this voice!
she got so much soul in her voice.
wonderful & the lyrics
she`s just a Legend
WHat an Amazing lady she was....a sweet...laid back voice...you cant help but get mellow when you hear her sing this song !!!
When I am feeling low and need to reenergize my mind, body and soul this is the angel I listen to. Sorry Mrs Holiday but it's you're fault because, the first note I heard from you I fell in love with you. An amazing woman with an amazing talent!
So much feeling and emotion. What a voice!
That's some Motherly singing, right there
I sincerely hope that someone told her how much meaningful her life meant to everyone and how beautiful she is/was, inside and out.
Thank all of you that post these amazing artists. I am only now discovering these wonderful genres and they are timeless and priceless. Thank you.
Billie holiday was just that one. Her iterations of all these old hit songs were just so much cooler, they feel effortless.
Like I was just listening to the Lena Horne Verizon and it was notable, strong voice. But its not like Billie.
Wonderful Billie Holiday !
Her voice is amazing!
Can't believe I hadn't listened to this before. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Truly she lived it; her voice tells it so. No one can doubt the truth of her experience as it comes through her voice as she sings.
For many people, she's the beginning and the end of jazz singers.
Accompanied by the Count Basie Orchestra with trumpet by Harry "Sweets" Edison. Impeccable.
Awesome, a pleasant heaviness...
I agree, this is the version !
she is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
beautiful.
une grande dame de la chanson ,
du bonheur a l'écouter
OMG some of the best music
You are so right, brother Dean. Thanks for this.
So classy... simply wonderful!! ♥♫
Wow I would love to search my roots and find that this beautiful lady was in my family!!!! There are not many if any women of her caliber alive anymore. Ms. Horne gone, Ethel Waters, Bessie Smith....etc the singers today could only wish they could REALLY sing!!!! ( I hate talking aobut their personal lives, I am talking about their class, style, legacy to the black race) thanks for this post!
This song make's Life go weLL, @Mrs. BiLLieHoLiday Luv u. Peace 2020
I will never forget her.
Hello! Una voz muy grande entre las tres mejores del siglo XX ...¡maravillosa!
Classic song written by Harold Arlen who also composed Over the Rainbow for the movie Wizard of Oz
Get Happy, My mama done told me (blues in the night),off the top of my head. One of the true great composers of the great American Songbook.
her voice is immortal
Madam Billie, thanx for the voice. God bless your soul. :)
You said it! This lady was greatness personified.
there was no finer story teller...just the facts no bull.....
That was awesome, thank you for sharing that music and pics... she was really something.. wow.. really something
it doesn't get any better
i can feel her pain , the music . dreamy and sad , and yet , truly awesome
Man I love Billie Holiday so much.
I would have loved to see this woman in person 🤧😇
Fantástica Billie!!
From the finest session Billie ever did.
The solos on this album were astonishing..such emotion.
A fantastically written tune! Billie moves me with her rendition. I also like Lena Horne's take on the song and of course Sinatra sings the definitive version(in my opinion).
mike curt With all due respect to Sinatra, for me, the definitive version belongs to Billie. She wraps her soul around it, as if the song was written for her. Incidentally, Billie's record her version more than a year before Sinatra's more celebrated version, at the same recording studio (Capitol) in Los Angeles. A classic tune interpreted by two great artists in their own inimitable ways.
TheBilliefan Hey, I didn't know that Billie recorded her version prior to Sinatra's. Billie wrapped her soul around just about every tune she recorded! :-) The lyric to me always seemed to be reflective of a man's point of view and therefore more effective when sung by a male vocalist. Obviously, the song works either way, whether sung by a male or female...I Just love Sinatra's version best!lol
mike curt I guess we can both say that Billie and Frank sang their own definitive versions. I think it's a song that both sexes can sing effectively with the right interpreter. Lena's version is also sublime, but Billie (as you so rightfully said) truly wrapped her soul around just about every tune she recorded.
This belongs to Billie. Sinatra doesn't come close.
Michael Anderson Will you please stop comparing and just enjoy the good music?
The version that had Sinatra (her biggest fan) on his knees.
@TarantinoFan Thanks for the posting. I, too, am a great fan of Frank Sinatra's music, and he certainly did right with this song. He had often credited Miss Billie for the influence she had on his song phrasing, and that influence is evident in much of his work. I think that is a measure of great musical artists. They learn from each other and then make it their own in the end. Miss Billie, Sinatra, Bennett, Miss Sarah, Miss Ella etc.. They were and are our musical treasures.
Nuff love and raspect to the Lady B!
I love you girl.
RIP. X
thank you GOD...for this music angel...
WONDERFUL! THANK YOU!!!
MAGINFICA MUSICA Y CANTANTE , ME TRANSPORTA A MIS AÑOS JOVENES
There was a photo of Billie on the vid that was soooooo sad I wanted to reach out and touch her! And all the photos depicted her ups and (mostly) downs through the years But that aside, yes, the video was fantastic. Her voice came through clear as a bell
Thank you for this post
Wonderful voice!
She is truely amazing.....
Long week... requires a long bar... smell of tobacco...old fashioned crystal glass, running empty of fine gin.. and this magic voice of hers!
that's a noir movie, my dear
Parabéns....DIVA.....pelo seu centenário.....show....que voz.....que deixou saudades!!
One of her greatest recordings, Frank Sinatra eat your heart out!
I totally agree. God Bless the Child gets is a favorite but even it can't hold a candle to this. The lady owns it.
Will you please stop comparing and just enjoy good music?
Yes, Billie owns this song!!!
Billie's version is great but NO ONE tops Frank Sinatra.every other version is destined to be vastly inferior.
i agree, ive heard several versions but Billie gives it that special something
Those earrings at 1:59 Awesome!! She had style.
whoever posted this, thanks.
So glad I saved this from over a year ago. Perfect artistry and great sound quality on your part...you know She would appreciate your hard work. Thanks on behalf of all Her fans!
The Queen of the blues
I could listen to Billie all day. She had such a hard life,but,damn,that woman could sing. RIP Lady Day.❤
This is song is a masterpiece. If you see the version Bette Midler sang to Johnny Carson, it will make you tear up. She was so sincere in her words to Johnny, even he shed a tear or two. It was on his last night on the Tonight Show.
Delightful
My heart is aching. There is only one Lsdy Day.
Real singer. Real life. Real drama. Real jazz. Wonderful song!
@somewarnvictorysomed I hear you. Miss Ella and Miss Billie were simply the finest. I had the honor of seeing Ella and The Duke perform together in the late 60's and it was a first class evening every second of their performance. Now THESE were the musicians and singers who set the standards in jazz and popular music. No gimmicks, no hype; they had TALENT, and it all speaks for itself. I am so very grateful their gifts live on.
Exquisite. The next time you play this recording (and there will be a next time), follow the piano. There's a conversation going on among the musicians and Lady Day.
My Favorite version of this tune period.
Билли Холидей❤️💎черная жемчужина!роскошный джаз!обожаю вас!❤️
I love Miss Billie Holiday.
Her elegant visage, almost regal, belies the tragedy which was her personal life.