When asked why you think the government didn’t want Billie Holiday to sing that song, Because the lyrics basically had them face their guilt of treating Black people So horribly.
Exactly. The monster doesn't like when you hold a mirror up to it. Then the fact that she was traveling to other countries performing the song that illustrated to the world how evil and vile America was and is. They wanted her silenced!!! We need to list her in the same category as Martin, Malcolm, Rosa, Harriet, etc. She fought and suffered for the betterment of the community. 💯✊🖤🎶
Racism comes out like "aerosol in the air", now we understand why it's so hard wrangle the beast, virtually impossible, but then, so is the strength of black people.
It's Just Her In This MOVIE! She Had More Guts To Sing Against Injustice When It Was DOUBLE Dangerous. And For THEM To Use Her OWN KIND To Bring Her Down! They Try The SAME NOW.
@@michellebeckstrom6110 Paul Robeson too. They actually drugged him with LSD and subjected him to electroshock treatments. All this done by the people you pay taxes to.
@@InviteTheLightReadings My father was a captain in the army.......mi mother told mi a story of him being pulled over in Alabama fer speeding, on his way home to Memphis from fort Bragg. They were such dicks to him that he called mi ma to tell her that he might not make it. Leaving out many details, but u get that he was black, right? Hell, I was a young tween when I found out 'bout EMMETT TILL................HORRIFYING!!!
If they hung our Savior from a tree what do you think they will do to His people We are the People and He is Our God We just need to act like it and watch Him fight our battle
I was born on the tail end of world 2. My father told me that Billy Holiday singed at Carnagie Hall that night. He loved Billy Holliday. He said "if he could have a second wife Billy Holiday would be the second one.
I had the privilege… Of working on this movie with Mr. Daniels… As a background performer… and the privilege of seeing Andra Day perform as Billie holiday… And I will mark it as one of the most exquisite background work that I won’t ever forget… Mr. Danielle‘s creativity and character his passion even though I never spoke to him except at the end of that particular shoot… I was walking by him our day had ended......I wanted to thank him for giving me an experience I won’t forget watching A creative genius at work…And I saw this incredible talented man almost drop his shoulders… In such a humble way And said thank you… And I won’t ever forget hearing the tone of his voice… Like I gave him the greatest compliment… And that will always stay with me because that showed me the character of who he is…
I don't think truly talented, yet humble, people often get the thanks they deserve because everyone assumes they get it all the time. Thank you for sharing this.
@@valerieriggins3184 Do the people going into "law enforcement" need to pass a low IQ test along with serious pathology before being accepted into their gang? Gang is the right word because police are the largest and most dangerous in our country.
And that's why they had to prevent the song from becoming the linchpin to the CRM! It would have had the same impact as the image of George Floyd's murder! It's visceral and raw without seeing an actual lynching take place.
Strange fruit is at once the most beautiful and horrifying song I've ever heard. It moves me to my soul.I can't even listen to it standing up. You can see, smell, taste, hear, feel her pain and outrage. Her bravery and talent are simply trancendent. I looooove me some Lady Day 😊.
He really is a special individual; transparent, open in his highs and lows. It's very encouraging to see someone who is successful, compassionate, and honest.
It actually doesn't mean anything in this murderously demonic, white supremacist society. It would mean more if you infiltrated hate groups and poisoned their beer. It'd mean more if you were part of a coalition of bankers and approved loans for black ppl, eligible. Just being as aggressively proactive against white supremacy as the white supremacists are in upholding this demonic system that provides with you white privilege.
In the deep south we have great Oaks that are majestic 4&500 yrs old still standing strong. I see those peaceful being that witness historically the unwanted pains & horrors of the blood of humanity's lynchings ,beatings,there wood , branches for burning original men woman &children.
I was reply to kjames.. The truth hurts. And those words were truth..absolutely despicable. I can't imagine living in those days. Knowing me I would of been helping instead of hurting. This stuff is so hard for me to comprehend. I'm so sorry that my ppl could do such horrendous things like that.
What was frightening about the song was.. it told the truth about what white ppl was really doing to these ppl.....and the hold world was listening to the song..... White ppl hate the truth..... If the truth be told it would destroy everything white Amerikkka stand for..... Even today...
@@lisavillano8710 it still goes on today!!!!! White ppl have a lot to give in for....and that day is going soon. Your ppl will pay the same way they made blk ppl pay.
@@BCNbananas I like to know who wrote it. Isn't it amazing that activism was going on even back then. Sometimes you wonder when will it end, then realize everything done has made a step forward and there's people who pretend they know or don't see the problems.
@@bessieking3797 Back then??? She died in 1959, at a rather young age. Not so long ago. Did you perhaps think that the last century took place in a giant snow globe?
@@bessieking3797 the person who wrote is was Abel Meeropol a teacher and songwriter from New York. First time I heard this song it brought me to my knees so I had to get the back story.
If she is playing Billie who is gonna play Eartha? She looks exactly like Eartha Kitt. I'm intrigued by the depth of this true life story. Black history is Black present.
PHILLY is the place of Her birth! Being born and raised here makes me feel a strong sense of humility and pride! And Baltimore of course is my second beloved city as my eldest siblings grew up & raised their families there. Most of them have migrated globally ❤
I grew up listening to Miss Day. I didn't know that she had drug issues until I read Maya Angelou's short autobiography, and it made the 15-year-old version of me profoundly sad for her. It took years, until after the advent of Wikipedia, to figure out a lot of her life story. I feel as though it helped me mature as a person. She was so very strong. So human.
@InfoJunkie I'm just glad that these story's are being shared. For much of my life, prior to the internet, many of these stories have been difficult to affirm or validate.
Fuck your tears and your "heartbreak". Dismantling white supremacy and killing racists would do your heart a whole lotta healing. It's been 400 years of black tears and black heartbreak, yours mean absolutely nothing.
@@abepresume8132 i think, as another black man to another black man. The best course of Justice is our victory and achievements, occupy the same space as intellectual( education). Wishing someone to die as well as whish him bad its a circle that I don't want to be part of, white people know we are better than them, as themselves are better in other things. Vulnerability in the face of challenges is the best medicine. There is a lot of power in love your enimes or anyone. Stay in peace my friend.
@@abepresume8132 I agree white supremacy needs to be exposed for what it is.. Killing does not need to be the answer, because it solves nothing.,but causes more hatred...our children will be the ones to save us..it takes a community to raise our children.....
@@abepresume8132 You can't fight the wind. America will fight to win. The anger and hate you feel is so deserving of a place to put it. It's the evil hearts of man's that takes your breath away, the warrior spirit has a lot to be reckon with. It is so much better than it was and with the energy that you possess is a guarantee that things will only push forward.
Brava Michel. This is quintessential journalism at its best, in my understanding. Not only allowing unique personalities, thoughts, and feelings the space to live; all the while slowly becoming more probing and always respectful of boundaries; we were honoured by being at such an intimate conversation. An example of interviews that model for all of us in hundreds of ways. Thank you.
Unfortunately, They know our power and influence more than we do. People hate Beyonce but her song Keys to the Kingdom from Black is King is wonderful.
And who's running it?!?!? ;-/ Notice how Lee is doing well and getting a green light to do his projects, but Spike is another story. I wonder what's is Lee doing that Spike is not... ;-/
@@theworldsonheroin Yet, her action has a negative effect on our young girls. We live in a society that most young girls and women greatest ambition is to be come a stripper. She is just as much a vessel of the music industry as the rest of to use to demoralize our people.
@@patricialucious9353 she is laughing at the post. It’s true. Dr. Dre was on MTV or some show and he was smiling from cheek to cheek. He said he thanked the police for giving the group attention and making some money.
John Trudell, who was an Native American activist was targeted by the US government. His wife and children were killed in a house fire likely set to silence him. Trudell was away at the time.
@@seventhchild7270 Leave me out of your fantasy...and you cannot make whats in your imagination a "fact" no matter how many caps you type in .....You folks have turned you "faith" into a "fact" now? do you suddenly donot understand the difference between "faith" and "fact"? this is what cult mentality does to humans.....fix your arrogance.....your "faith" is for YOU not me....and what does your faith have to do with racism?
I thank you Mr. Daniels for your authenticity and film expertise. I just want to add being a retired law enforcement officer, it's not all sad stories. Ever read "The Spook that sat by the Door" ?
Beautiful people. Wonderful interview, Ms. Michel Martin. Mr. Lee Daniels, Thank you for being soul geniune and celebrating the heartsong of Ms. Billie Holiday. As a kid I had a dream of her...she was in the hospital. She was trying to leave and several people kept pushing her back @ held her down. She was cussing and fighting. Was given a injection. She fell limp. They placed her on the bed then left the room. I awoke with a tear rolling down my face. Strange Fruit.
@@neeuqamilam1170 Right on! We need to do a documentary called blacklisted and gather more information on who all this happened to. It should have never happened to any of these people.
Southern trees bear a strange fruit Blood on the leaves and blood at the root Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees Pastoral scene of the gallant South The bulgin' eyes and the twisted mouth Scent of magnolias sweet and fresh Then the sudden smell of burnin' flesh Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck For the rain to gather For the wind to suck For the sun to rot For the tree to drop Here is a strange and bitter crop
This director touches such a chord. I am grateful for the truth he tells by sharing the facts and for his commitment to how he chose to respect its power, doing this sober. Powerful!!!
Clearly those chords aren't resonating if you're not aggressively and by every means, working to dismantle this demonically murderous, white supremacist system. That would be way more "powerful" than another story of a life destroyed by this evil system.
Monique was black ball when he was high making decisions smh the truth always come. God always reveals the truth. Saying it again for the people in the back.
my god why it that these people have so much hate in them right now in these times we are living in time where nothing has change the more things change the more they remain the same
Why on every video I watch about Black people there is a comment not about the subject, but something about Native Americans? It’s very disrespectful & distasteful. There’s never a call to union or action, just an attention grab. Why? The five civilized tribes owned slaves, hence were civilized. Many tribes deny mixed race people their tribal member documents. I am not aware of Native tribe participation in the civil rights movement, yet these rights benefit all groups. If y’all are gonna keep popping in, I sincerely hope you’re ready to stand for other than yourselves this time.
A history teacher of mine opened a lesson with Billie Holiday's song "Strange Fruit"... I knew instantly what the song was saying even at that young age. It moves me deep still especially that systemic racism is still very much alive today. I could never understand how someone could brutalize another and how anyone could possibly believe the color of their skin sets anybody apart in any way. I'm grateful for that teacher who always bright us more than "standard" and thank Ms. Holiday for her bravery and voice. Rest in abundant peace and joy big sister your message is still being heard🕊️💖✨
Billie talked about racism is what pushed her into addiction, a lot of the great jazz musicians were driven into addiction because of the atrocities they saw growing up in the south.
Absolutely, Dr. Mate talks about how addiction is rooted in trauma. We have to acknowledge the intergenerational trauma of slavery and the psychosocialspiritual impacts it continues to have on Black Americans that is compounded by systemic racism.
This man has a beautiful, powerful spirit. Possibly, he had to anesthetize himself from the power of it, hence the drinks. Mr Daniels, thank you for the stories you tell so well and for your own story.
Andrea is actually a singer when she came out with the song Rise( see the video so inspiring). I thought she could play Billie Holiday, and that she also resembles Rihanna.
so many wonderful humans who are made to suffer in life by mean spirited people with power. The song's author has a interesting story too. I knew decades ago the first time I heard the song. Graphic details creates the scene.
There are many wolf's in sheep's clothing in our society. From all ethnic groups. It's hard to know who to trust sometimes. I trust the word of God. So I look for the fruit they bear. I love Billie Holiday
Grew up as a little white girl whose parents greatly loved and appreciated black artists and their struggles..Billie Holiday(my fave) and the greats were always playing in our house..they also played big bands, Glenn Miller, Dorsey..my parents loved to dance and often cleared the living room..I'm 60 now and I listen to everything n my son raps..quite well I might add n I enjoy rap too..music is healthy for the soul..thank you for this video✌💜😊
Those with discernment can feel hatred and see the appearances, just as we see Evil and Wickedness on ones expressions. See and feel it! Just as we can't see the wind, only evidence of it's presence.
Lee Daniels, you are incredible. The way your spoke of this and yourself and Billy helped me to see something about how hard it is to be me with all the flaws, yet striving for the good, always striving for the good no matter how many times I fall down, its so hard to put those falls in a place that allows me to continue the good fight. And the struggle continues for the good and true. Before my sister died, her last words to me were. "Keep fighting the good fight"
And we are..and showing vhf our children and grandchildren..how it was done in the past, on many paths and giving them the template for their work....thank you elders and ancestors
@@deborahfrederick916 I did so as well your correct.there’s a great documentary on her that it goes into it pretty well. im lost for the exact name of it right now.
@@1432b Will the growth be wheat or tares? The wheat will produce a crop that is hard earned, a struggle that will not be comfy, chaff not tolerated. The tares will produce a dereliction of duty, a betrayal if you will.
Fantastic interview! My admiration for Lee Daniels has gone up and it was already high and thank you to Ms. Amanpour and Ms. Martin at NPR for bringing this to us and putting it on youtube cause I would not have been able to see it otherwise.
As a white woman, I’d never heard of Ms. Holiday until the movie, LADY SINGS THE BLUES, came out. I was in college & will soon be 70. I still adore Billie!!! I’m thrilled to see this new film! Thanks so very much!🌹
@@patricialucious9353 Lady Sings the Blues came out in 1972. So that was when the woman above first heard of Billie Holiday, when she was in college- nearly 50 years ago. So no, not 'all this time' as you said. Let's not be so quick to judge and condemn. We can all do better, but picking on each other doesn't really help us move forward.
The first time I heard that song was last year, sang by Nina Simone. it made me cry, touched me deeply to hear the words that actually applied to humans and hanging. A picture I saw years ago of white people standing around a hanging, children in tow were laughing and smiling made me ask myself, what kind of people could do that human people, and to their own children. That indeed is very strange. Lee says he’s 60, (amazingly he looks about 40) so he remembers a lot of what went on, but like me didn’t know the depth of it all and the understanding of it until we became adults.
The plight of the black police officer in America... When Mr. Lee said that he didn't want to tell those stories because they were too sad, I understood. F*cking heartbreaking. We can't accept this as just "is what it is" anymore. It's not ok.
Shows how our black women are strong, powerful and unapologetically woke, I listen to this woman all the time, and I didn't care for jazz or could relate until I started listening to Ms Holiday
@@bonnieikamas1201 thank you for confirming that she did. It is an awesome song with a brilliant artist singing it. I also do adore Aretha singing “Ain’t no way”
the north ultimately lost the civil war. we allowed segregation to prevail as slavery's remnant & pretended to not see & not let ourselves be affected by the ugly dark deeds that still continue. In the end, anyone with a conscience--no matter how dim it may be--cannot normalize evil.
You're living in an alternate reality. Evil is normalized, in every institution of this demonic society. If anyone is this society had a conscience, every white supremacist would be dead.
@@abepresume8132 I would go farther, calling something or someone “Evil” gives them an out, a way to not be held accountable. These folks aren’t evil, these atrocities were built into the fabric of this country; it is all by design. What continues to be done to Black bodies doesn’t garner much more outrage than it did between the 1830s and 1950s, ~130 years. Now the Black bodies are demonized and criminalized so that the perpetrators aren’t held accountable in the name of “law and order,” which is how we began this dance. Everything old is new again but what it’s not is evil.
@@markaym3735 If that makes you feel better then go with that. Man behaves in a way that makes sense to their survival, I think those actions are only judged as “evil” as a way of explanation later. We need that when men do atrocious things to one another. I’ve never heard, as an example, the U.S. engagement in war spoken of as evil and that by definition is inherently “evil” - it’s billed as protective but generally it makes certain men wealthy at the expense of the folks who sacrifice their lives, who generally are the poorest of us.
Much respect to you Lee Daniels. Your being grounded in your spirit and having that infused into your craft is so glorious. What a gift to our broke world you are.
When “the unmentionable” got elected! Lol!! I am stealing that one! Maybe I’ll start to save my lips from feeling like they’re spontaneously combusting every time I utter the name!
I remember hearing "Strange Fruit" on the Motown Remixed album and wondering what that strange song was about and looking it up, being shocked and then I used to listen to it somewhat obsessively. Grew up white in CA and HI, but gay so I understood and still do when your evil racist or homophobic neighbors really think about doing these things like the KKK and the orange clown's racist followers do.
Absolutely wonderfully done multidimensional characters, Real, for none of us are one dimensional. This is a beautifully done, much needed movie, for this time❣Thank you!
My Gosh!! Lee Daniels Your AWESOME!! You Honoured Billie Holiday by being Sober...She Would Absolutely LOVE That!! We Honour You Lee Daniels ;] GOD BLESS & Keep you...’Lady Day’ Forever We’ll Play
Pretty sure she'd want you to do everything in your life to dismantle white supremacy, aggressively and by any means, more than she'd want you to listen to her music. White, collective, apathy is always amazing to see. Lmfao
Lee that woman was so good, that if this movie had no sound, you could feel every emotion for each scene though her eyes. It would have been a big mistake to have not had this woman at this time. Bravo!
The song was written by a white, Jewish civil rights activist, Abel Meeropol, who adopted the two Rosenberg children. Their last name was changed to his.
Thank you for presenting this Truth as gratitude is due this winderful man who lived his truth and saved those children in a time that could have caused him to simply disappear...
Great interview. I love Lee Daniels’ work and I’ve been a Billie Holiday fan since I was a little girl in the 60’s. As tragic as it is I am really looking forward to this film.
Thank you Lee Daniels for bringing this film to fruition. The world needed to hear about the later years of the genius , talented, and beautiful Jazz Legend, Billie Holiday. Her legacy will forever live on.
Shows just how long such evil monsters have been allowed to terrorize a beautiful people. These unrelenting terrorists can sometimes drive people to drugs, alcohol, violence and despondency with severe symptoms of PTSD. Affecting entire communities and families for generations. AND STILL THEY RISE!!! GLORIOUSLY! LIKE THE PHOENIX.
What an enlightening interview. Thank you Mr. Daniels for sharing your views and explaining so eloquently the depths of human strengths. Ms. Martin, you're an exceptional interviewer!
because he didnt want to know... i know when ever i start playing that song i listen and then after a while i have to turnit off, imagine being a son or friend of someone who lost their life like that having to hear that song, i cant even imagine.. one thing for sure it needs to be heard today.
Wow! My wife had to show me this. Watching and listening to Lee was like hearing a reflection of myself. Everything he said about the vulnerability with the people he works with and security blanket and self anesthetization and the stopping. All resonated with me completely. I feel not alone. So, thank you for sharing Lee!
When asked why you think the government didn’t want Billie Holiday to sing that song, Because the lyrics basically had them face their guilt of treating Black people So horribly.
Exactly. The monster doesn't like when you hold a mirror up to it. Then the fact that she was traveling to other countries performing the song that illustrated to the world how evil and vile America was and is. They wanted her silenced!!! We need to list her in the same category as Martin, Malcolm, Rosa, Harriet, etc. She fought and suffered for the betterment of the community. 💯✊🖤🎶
And they have continued waaay BEFORE the sing and STILL do. Thank God for technology 🙏
Hoover had a horrible reputation for doing crazy things.
@@KW-hd6yk when I think back I don't recall hearing Lady Day's named mentioned by Malcolm or Martin. Honestly, I feel some type of way about that 💯
“OF MISTREATING BLACK AMERICANS!”
Lee Daniels opens his heart to his audience. Thank you for this interview. I look forward to seeing "THe United States vs Billie Holiday".
Racism comes out like "aerosol in the air", now we understand why it's so hard wrangle the beast, virtually impossible, but then, so is the strength of black people.
It's more like a Crimson Stain looking ugly evil on a white T-shirt.
YHWH is in control.
No truer metaphor spoken.
Agreed!!!
He just defined COVID-19
We can be strong at being WEAK...past time to be strong at being STRONG💯
It wasn't just her, it was every black person with influence and talent. Much thanks for creating an accurate historical record!
It's Just Her In This MOVIE! She Had More Guts To Sing Against Injustice When It Was DOUBLE Dangerous. And For THEM To Use Her OWN KIND To Bring Her Down! They Try The SAME NOW.
MLK, Eartha Kitt, Hazel Scott, Malcolm, Bob Marley
@@michellebeckstrom6110 Paul Robeson too. They actually drugged him with LSD and subjected him to electroshock treatments. All this done by the people you pay taxes to.
All of them
@@michellebeckstrom6110 Fred Hampton and the entire Black Panther party
For every story told of lynching, there are many, sooooo many that will NEVER be
The many soldiers coming back from serving their country in World War II - hanged in their uniforms.
@@InviteTheLightReadings My father was a captain in the army.......mi mother told mi a story of him being pulled over in Alabama fer speeding, on his way home to Memphis from fort Bragg. They were such dicks to him that he called mi ma to tell her that he might not make it. Leaving out many details, but u get that he was black, right? Hell, I was a young tween when I found out 'bout EMMETT TILL................HORRIFYING!!!
If they hung our Savior from a tree what do you think they will do to His people
We are the People and He is Our God
We just need to act like it and watch Him fight our battle
Soooo true
I was born on the tail end of world 2. My father told me that Billy Holiday singed at Carnagie Hall that night. He loved Billy Holliday. He said "if he could have a second wife Billy Holiday would be the second one.
I had the privilege… Of working on this movie with Mr. Daniels… As a background performer… and the privilege of seeing Andra Day perform as Billie holiday… And I will mark it as one of the most exquisite background work that I won’t ever forget… Mr. Danielle‘s creativity and character his passion even though I never spoke to him except at the end of that particular shoot… I was walking by him our day had ended......I wanted to thank him for giving me an experience I won’t forget watching A creative genius at work…And I saw this incredible talented man almost drop his shoulders… In such a humble way And said thank you… And I won’t ever forget hearing the tone of his voice… Like I gave him the greatest compliment… And that will always stay with me because that showed me the character of who he is…
Thank you for sharing that moment.
GREAT STORY
Thank you for enjoying my moment God bless you both
Thank you for sharing.
I don't think truly talented, yet humble, people often get the thanks they deserve because everyone assumes they get it all the time. Thank you for sharing this.
Be confident Mr. Daniels always be confident, we as a society as species,
need you and many more like you.
This man... what a special soul to honor her in such a profound way. I was moved just watching the interview.
I hope you were moved to violently dismantle white supremacy. Otherwise, you weren't "moved".
I was too, he was honest and raw and real
Agree.
He is a demon
@@tonymckinney1355 This is a strong statement.
Seems extremely personal, unfortunately.
I don't understand how anyone could have heard strange fruit and not know exactly what Billy meant.
STRANGE FRUIT STILL Happening While... MANY Turning A BLIND Eye!
@@valerieriggins3184 Hey. You're so right. Every choke hold, every action to cut off the air we breath is a lynching.
@@valerieriggins3184 Do the people going into "law enforcement" need to pass a low IQ test along with serious pathology before being accepted into their gang? Gang is the right word because police are the largest and most dangerous in our country.
And that's why they had to prevent the song from becoming the linchpin to the CRM! It would have had the same impact as the image of George Floyd's murder! It's visceral and raw without seeing an actual lynching take place.
@@valerieriggins3184 Exactly!
My dad loved Billie Holiday. A voice like no other. The truth is so powerful.
Mine, too!
It really is and the government couldn't handle Billie singing the truth.
Strange fruit is at once the most beautiful and horrifying song I've ever heard. It moves me to my soul.I can't even listen to it standing up. You can see, smell, taste, hear, feel her pain and outrage. Her bravery and talent are simply trancendent. I looooove me some Lady Day 😊.
The truth is like a two edge sword!!!
We are all very fortunate that Billie would not back down to evil. She is a hero for everyone who has any integrity.
He really is a special individual; transparent, open in his highs and lows. It's very encouraging to see someone who is successful, compassionate, and honest.
When I come home tired, I listen to billy holiday and she just soothes the night. What a great lady she was.
Thank you, Lee Daniels, for your honesty and authenticity. It means a lot.
It actually doesn't mean anything in this murderously demonic, white supremacist society. It would mean more if you infiltrated hate groups and poisoned their beer. It'd mean more if you were part of a coalition of bankers and approved loans for black ppl, eligible. Just being as aggressively proactive against white supremacy as the white supremacists are in upholding this demonic system that provides with you white privilege.
th-cam.com/video/VKcIQnswdN0/w-d-xo.html
Its time Its time, we are waking up, words are double sword, study them they are “ evil and A live”🦹♀️💩
@@abepresume8132 uh not just privilege, but WHITE privilege!!!
@@foryahforeveryahudah7866 Privilege only has one color and that color is white.
"What was so frightening ( about the song)?"
-the truth...
In the deep south we have great Oaks that are majestic 4&500 yrs old still standing strong. I see those peaceful being that witness historically the unwanted pains & horrors of the blood of humanity's lynchings ,beatings,there wood , branches for burning original men woman &children.
Exactly!!
I was reply to kjames.. The truth hurts. And those words were truth..absolutely despicable. I can't imagine living in those days. Knowing me I would of been helping instead of hurting. This stuff is so hard for me to comprehend. I'm so sorry that my ppl could do such horrendous things like that.
What was frightening about the song was.. it told the truth about what white ppl was really doing to these ppl.....and the hold world was listening to the song..... White ppl hate the truth..... If the truth be told it would destroy everything white Amerikkka stand for..... Even today...
@@lisavillano8710 it still goes on today!!!!! White ppl have a lot to give in for....and that day is going soon. Your ppl will pay the same way they made blk ppl pay.
When Billy Holiday dared to write the song. She had to have witnessed the horrors of black bodies hanging from trees. I can only vision PTSD
Billie didn't write it (doesn't make it less great and potent).
@@BCNbananas I like to know who wrote it. Isn't it amazing that activism was going on even back then. Sometimes you wonder when will it end, then realize everything done has made a step forward and there's people who pretend they know or don't see the problems.
@@bessieking3797 Back then??? She died in 1959, at a rather young age. Not so long ago. Did you perhaps think that the last century took place in a giant snow globe?
@@bessieking3797 the person who wrote is was Abel Meeropol a teacher and songwriter from New York. First time I heard this song it brought me to my knees so I had to get the back story.
@@constituenta5293 of course not consider it's still happening today. It was very common in the sixties but became less blatant in the seventies.
If she is playing Billie who is gonna play Eartha? She looks exactly like Eartha Kitt. I'm intrigued by the depth of this true life story. Black history is Black present.
Jackid1234 Teyana Taylor is being rumored to play Eartha Kitt. She.... has Eartha's likeness.
@@maxinec1616 She’s a great choice!
@@taharqa332 I agree!
@@maxinec1616 disagree.
Taraji P. Henson?
They have a statue of Billie Holiday on Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore ,where she grew up!
Wow.. NEVER KNEW THAT ❗️NEXT TIME I’M IN THAT AREA..IMMA LOOK FOR IT ❣️✊🏾💯💖
@Noir Path aaaaa
I will petition with you.
Born in Philly raised in bmore died in ny
PHILLY is the place of Her birth! Being born and raised here makes me feel a strong sense of humility and pride! And Baltimore of course is my second beloved city as my eldest siblings grew up & raised their families there. Most of them have migrated globally ❤
I grew up listening to Miss Day. I didn't know that she had drug issues until I read Maya Angelou's short autobiography, and it made the 15-year-old version of me profoundly sad for her. It took years, until after the advent of Wikipedia, to figure out a lot of her life story. I feel as though it helped me mature as a person. She was so very strong. So human.
She was and is an incredible woman
This story makes me think of Nina Simone, who’s career was ended because of “Mississippi Goddamn” and her work with the Civil Rights movement.
like soooo many others
@InfoJunkie I'm just glad that these story's are being shared. For much of my life, prior to the internet, many of these stories have been difficult to affirm or validate.
If I ever have a girl child I'm naming her Simone after her. Fantastic music.
ONE CANNOT SIMPLY CANCEL NINA SIMONE..
No one ends Ms Simone's career. It's still going on years after she died.
That song just tears my heart. So heartbreaking.
Your half smile too.
Fuck your tears and your "heartbreak". Dismantling white supremacy and killing racists would do your heart a whole lotta healing. It's been 400 years of black tears and black heartbreak, yours mean absolutely nothing.
@@abepresume8132 i think, as another black man to another black man. The best course of Justice is our victory and achievements, occupy the same space as intellectual( education).
Wishing someone to die as well as whish him bad its a circle that I don't want to be part of, white people know we are better than them, as themselves are better in other things.
Vulnerability in the face of challenges is the best medicine. There is a lot of power in love your enimes or anyone. Stay in peace my friend.
@@abepresume8132 I agree white supremacy needs to be exposed for what it is..
Killing does not need to be the answer, because it solves nothing.,but causes more hatred...our children will be the ones to save us..it takes a community to raise our children.....
@@abepresume8132 You can't fight the wind. America will fight to win. The anger and hate you feel is so deserving of a place to put it. It's the evil hearts of man's that takes your breath away, the warrior spirit has a lot to be reckon with. It is so much better than it was and with the energy that you possess is a guarantee that things will only push forward.
Brava Michel. This is quintessential journalism at its best, in my understanding. Not only allowing unique personalities, thoughts, and feelings the space to live; all the while slowly becoming more probing and always respectful of boundaries; we were honoured by being at such an intimate conversation. An example of interviews that model for all of us in hundreds of ways. Thank you.
Jeeze, why don't you marry her?
@@kingpest13 😂
So well said! The interviewer handheld her subject and us on a sweet, tangible journey. I was truly touched.
I agree. Great interview.
I applaud Daniels’ decision to get sober.
This is why the music industry promotes low vibrational music to the black community.
Right
Exactly! And it needs to stop.
Unfortunately, They know our power and influence more than we do. People hate Beyonce but her song Keys to the Kingdom from Black is King is wonderful.
And who's running it?!?!? ;-/ Notice how Lee is doing well and getting a green light to do his projects, but Spike is another story. I wonder what's is Lee doing that Spike is not... ;-/
@@theworldsonheroin Yet, her action has a negative effect on our young girls. We live in a society that most young girls and women greatest ambition is to be come a stripper. She is just as much a vessel of the music industry as the rest of to use to demoralize our people.
Strange Fruit makes me cry.
Me Too Truth😭😭
Over and Over...no matter how many times you hear it
Me too. Always has.
Me too
Omg. She sings strange fruit exactly like billie holiday
The cop's tried to stop NWA from singing " Fuck the police " they failed. It's a hit even today.
Fact.
Lol
@@yir9383 what u laughing at ?
Always tryin 🤐 the African American ppl, 🤔
@@patricialucious9353 she is laughing at the post. It’s true. Dr. Dre was on MTV or some show and he was smiling from cheek to cheek. He said he thanked the police for giving the group attention and making some money.
John Trudell, who was an Native American activist was targeted by the US government. His wife and children were killed in a house fire likely set to silence him. Trudell was away at the time.
white supremacist terrorism is and has always been a clear and present danger
EVERYONE ANSWERS TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND JESUS CHRIST.....NO ONE GETS AWAY WITH ANYTHING!!!....FACT!!!
@@seventhchild7270 Leave me out of your fantasy...and you cannot make whats in your imagination a "fact" no matter how many caps you type in .....You folks have turned you "faith" into a "fact" now? do you suddenly donot understand the difference between "faith" and "fact"? this is what cult mentality does to humans.....fix your arrogance.....your "faith" is for YOU not me....and what does your faith have to do with racism?
I’m not sure why you decided to distract from the conversation about the courage of Billie with a “he did it too”? 🤷🏾♀️
Replying to Diane Young
We love you brother Lee for your honesty and your gift. Godspeed.
I thank you Mr. Daniels for your authenticity and film expertise.
I just want to add being a retired law enforcement officer, it's not all sad stories. Ever read "The Spook that sat by the Door" ?
Beautiful people. Wonderful interview, Ms. Michel Martin. Mr. Lee Daniels, Thank you for being soul geniune and celebrating the heartsong of Ms. Billie Holiday. As a kid I had a dream of her...she was in the hospital. She was trying to leave and several people kept pushing her back @ held her down. She was cussing and fighting. Was given a injection. She fell limp. They placed her on the bed then left the room. I awoke with a tear rolling down my face. Strange Fruit.
Lee Daniels..awesome Director and filmmaker. This tribute to Billie Holiday is such a work of art!
Amen
As a retired Philadelphia police officer who also worked the Move Detail, I understand those tears and shed them too 💔
Billie Holiday and Eartha Kit both experienced this! They should add Eartha's story too!
@Soror Tamori also, Josephine Baker
@@neeuqamilam1170 Right on! We need to do a documentary called blacklisted and gather more information on who all this happened to. It should have never happened to any of these people.
I agree
They already made the movie of Josephine Baker and Lynn Whitfield played the heck out of that role💕💕💕💕
Also Nina Simone
Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze
Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees
Pastoral scene of the gallant South
The bulgin' eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolias sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burnin' flesh
Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather
For the wind to suck
For the sun to rot
For the tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop
💔😞😥😥😭
Thanks
Written by a white Jewish man who was also a communist.
This director touches such a chord. I am grateful for the truth he tells by sharing the facts and for his commitment to how he chose to respect its power, doing this sober. Powerful!!!
Clearly those chords aren't resonating if you're not aggressively and by every means, working to dismantle this demonically murderous, white supremacist system. That would be way more "powerful" than another story of a life destroyed by this evil system.
Pay Monique for her outstanding performance...even though she wasn't aware that her acting would be so powerful in film
Monique was black ball when he was high making decisions smh the truth always come. God always reveals the truth. Saying it again for the people in the back.
Mo’Nique? Was she in this film?
YESSSS she did...😳
We need more movies telling our history and exposing even more of the history of America and what they did and continue to do to us
This is how they STILL treat us ... the original American Indians of Turtle Island.
Exactly
my god why it that these people have so much hate in them right now in these times we are living in time where nothing has change the more things change the more they remain the same
Well, that's not good... Please send an article, a link, I want to know more.
Fight fight fight.... this is your land fight for what is yours
Why on every video I watch about Black people there is a comment not about the subject, but something about Native Americans? It’s very disrespectful & distasteful. There’s never a call to union or action, just an attention grab. Why? The five civilized tribes owned slaves, hence were civilized. Many tribes deny mixed race people their tribal member documents. I am not aware of Native tribe participation in the civil rights movement, yet these rights benefit all groups. If y’all are gonna keep popping in, I sincerely hope you’re ready to stand for other than yourselves this time.
Wow. He could not honour the story of Billie while high. That's something to think about.
People fall down God brought him out. But he can relate to her because he experienced it. Let's just listen to his story.
A history teacher of mine opened a lesson with Billie Holiday's song "Strange Fruit"... I knew instantly what the song was saying even at that young age. It moves me deep still especially that systemic racism is still very much alive today. I could never understand how someone could brutalize another and how anyone could possibly believe the color of their skin sets anybody apart in any way. I'm grateful for that teacher who always bright us more than "standard" and thank Ms. Holiday for her bravery and voice. Rest in abundant peace and joy big sister your message is still being heard🕊️💖✨
Billie talked about racism is what pushed her into addiction, a lot of the great jazz musicians were driven into addiction because of the atrocities they saw growing up in the south.
Absolutely, Dr. Mate talks about how addiction is rooted in trauma. We have to acknowledge the intergenerational trauma of slavery and the psychosocialspiritual impacts it continues to have on Black Americans that is compounded by systemic racism.
Yep!. I agree 100%.
This man has a beautiful, powerful spirit. Possibly, he had to anesthetize himself from the power of it, hence the drinks.
Mr Daniels, thank you for the stories you tell so well and for your own story.
I salute Billy Holiday's courage to keep on singing "Strange Fruit".
Hearing this actress sing the lyrics and watching her emotions brought me to tears.
Andrea is actually a singer when she came out with the song Rise( see the video so inspiring).
I thought she could play Billie Holiday, and that she also resembles Rihanna.
I cried sooooo hard at the end.
This movie is historically accurate for the racial injustice and oppression in the U.S.
so many wonderful humans who are made to suffer in life by mean spirited people with power. The song's author has a interesting story too. I knew decades ago the first time I heard the song. Graphic details creates the scene.
Thats becouse we do not chose the best of or society to represent us. We chose the worst. Wolf in sheep's clothing sociopath whit no morale compass.
There are many wolf's in sheep's clothing in our society. From all ethnic groups. It's hard to know who to trust sometimes. I trust the word of God. So I look for the fruit they bear. I love Billie Holiday
These are the reasons why we are are always a threat to White people, Some really Really do not understand us and do not try.🤫
I wonder about these mean spirited people with "power." How did their kids turn out? How did they reap what they sowed?
Grew up as a little white girl whose parents greatly loved and appreciated black artists and their struggles..Billie Holiday(my fave) and the greats were always playing in our house..they also played big bands, Glenn Miller, Dorsey..my parents loved to dance and often cleared the living room..I'm 60 now and I listen to everything n my son raps..quite well I might add n I enjoy rap too..music is healthy for the soul..thank you for this video✌💜😊
Those with discernment can feel hatred and see the appearances, just as we see Evil and Wickedness on ones expressions. See and feel it! Just as we can't see the wind, only evidence of it's presence.
Facts!!
Truth and Facts.
Lee Daniels, you are incredible. The way your spoke of this and yourself and Billy helped me to see something about how hard it is to be me with all the flaws, yet striving for the good, always striving for the good no matter how many times I fall down, its so hard to put those falls in a place that allows me to continue the good fight.
And the struggle continues for the good and true.
Before my sister died, her last words to me were. "Keep fighting the good fight"
And we are..and showing vhf our children and grandchildren..how it was done in the past, on many paths and giving them the template for their work....thank you elders and ancestors
I know this story well.this story is so relevant right now.we need it
Ronald Williams I read her autobiography as a teenager. But she did not go into depth about the persecution she experienced from the FBI.
@@deborahfrederick916 I did so as well your correct.there’s a great documentary on her that it goes into it pretty well. im lost for the exact name of it right now.
@@Mister-Reno if you find it let us know!
Wow, Lee Daniels so open and honest; truly looking forward to seeing this work.
As a young vocalist I was urged to listen to Billie Holliday. Her heart and soul endures forever in the music she left us, her legacy.
I learned a lot, thank you. America needs real history lessons.
Grey areas are disturbing because they are like mirrors and growing isn't comfy.
but grey areas allow for growth
@@bonnyphotinos4262Depends on the growth
@@1432b Will the growth be wheat or tares? The wheat will produce a crop that is hard earned, a struggle that will not be comfy, chaff not tolerated. The tares will produce a dereliction of duty, a betrayal if you will.
Lovely interview! I enjoyed listening to Lee Daniels.
Fantastic interview! My admiration for Lee Daniels has gone up and it was already high and thank you to Ms. Amanpour and Ms. Martin at NPR for bringing this to us and putting it on youtube cause I would not have been able to see it otherwise.
It's an expression on a face, tone, of a voice, a bodly move.
As a white woman, I’d never heard of Ms. Holiday until the movie, LADY SINGS THE BLUES, came out. I was in college & will soon be 70. I still adore Billie!!! I’m thrilled to see this new film! Thanks so very much!🌹
Yes Ms Ross did a great job in that.
Agree!
All the best on your birthday❤️🙏❤️
U been living on earth all this time and never heard of her ? That explains who u r.
@@patricialucious9353 Lady Sings the Blues came out in 1972. So that was when the woman above first heard of Billie Holiday, when she was in college- nearly 50 years ago. So no, not 'all this time' as you said. Let's not be so quick to judge and condemn. We can all do better, but picking on each other doesn't really help us move forward.
@@lynnsaoirse6104 mind yo business !!
Just hearing that song, gives me goosebumps. They know, why they didn't want her to sing it.
The first time I heard that song was last year, sang by Nina Simone. it made me cry, touched me deeply to hear the words that actually applied to humans and hanging. A picture I saw years ago of white people standing around a hanging, children in tow were laughing and smiling made me ask myself, what kind of people could do that human people, and to their own children. That indeed is very strange.
Lee says he’s 60, (amazingly he looks about 40) so he remembers a lot of what went on, but like me didn’t know the depth of it all and the understanding of it until we became adults.
The plight of the black police officer in America... When Mr. Lee said that he didn't want to tell those stories because they were too sad, I understood. F*cking heartbreaking. We can't accept this as just "is what it is" anymore. It's not ok.
Lee Daniels is what the ancestors prayed for. He is so creative, intelligent.
Shows how our black women are strong, powerful and unapologetically woke, I listen to this woman all the time, and I didn't care for jazz or could relate until I started listening to Ms Holiday
@William Scpott You are so wrong!
The truth is frightening.
NoOne Unscripted , Here’s some Truth... headlines with a Voice. Also. Stop the Crime.net. Best to you...
But it redeems
@@britjones4912 Yes, it does.
I do believe, without researching, I may be wrong. Billie Holiday sang “Good Morning Heartache”
Yes
She sure did.
Yes! She did it beautifully!!!🎶🎼🎵🎤
@@bonnieikamas1201 thank you for confirming that she did. It is an awesome song with a brilliant artist singing it. I also do adore Aretha singing “Ain’t no way”
Yes she did and no one sang it better.
I think I would have a difficult time watching this movie. That means I SHOULD watch it.
Exactly...
Skip the Kleenex; get a towel.
Its amazing I had to prep myself, like I had to before watching When They See Us.
I agree. There are too many times that good people became bad, just by becoming ostriches.
I agree
I am going to have to watch this movie. I have enjoyed his work before. Precious was amazing. Billie was a historical treasure.
" What white people don't know that black people feels the Racism as feeling that hit in the core and manipulate our fear ". LCP
This song is gut wrenching and painful to listen to.
the north ultimately lost the civil war. we allowed segregation to prevail as slavery's remnant & pretended to not see & not let ourselves be affected by the ugly dark deeds that still continue. In the end, anyone with a conscience--no matter how dim it may be--cannot normalize evil.
You're living in an alternate reality. Evil is normalized, in every institution of this demonic society. If anyone is this society had a conscience, every white supremacist would be dead.
@@abepresume8132 I would go farther, calling something or someone “Evil” gives them an out, a way to not be held accountable. These folks aren’t evil, these atrocities were built into the fabric of this country; it is all by design. What continues to be done to Black bodies doesn’t garner much more outrage than it did between the 1830s and 1950s, ~130 years. Now the Black bodies are demonized and criminalized so that the perpetrators aren’t held accountable in the name of “law and order,” which is how we began this dance. Everything old is new again but what it’s not is evil.
@@TOAODLB our society reflects the values of the people who run it. It’s an evil system run by evil people. It’s not an out.
@@markaym3735 If that makes you feel better then go with that. Man behaves in a way that makes sense to their survival, I think those actions are only judged as “evil” as a way of explanation later. We need that when men do atrocious things to one another. I’ve never heard, as an example, the U.S. engagement in war spoken of as evil and that by definition is inherently “evil” - it’s billed as protective but generally it makes certain men wealthy at the expense of the folks who sacrifice their lives, who generally are the poorest of us.
Much respect to you Lee Daniels. Your being grounded in your spirit and having that infused into your craft is so glorious. What a gift to our broke world you are.
Excellent interview! I am definitely going to watch the film now! Thanks so much.
Please tell me where or what station can I watch it. Thank u.
@@robertgraham7620 Hulu
@@aggedyran thanks alot..💕
When “the unmentionable” got elected! Lol!! I am stealing that one! Maybe I’ll start to save my lips from feeling like they’re spontaneously combusting every time I utter the name!
I remember hearing "Strange Fruit" on the Motown Remixed album and wondering what that strange song was about and looking it up, being shocked and then I used to listen to it somewhat obsessively. Grew up white in CA and HI, but gay so I understood and still do when your evil racist or homophobic neighbors really think about doing these things like the KKK and the orange clown's racist followers do.
I had the same reaction when I first heard it. I was obsessed with it. Also Nina doing Mississippi Goddamn
I would love for Lee Daniels to write a book about his life or a movie. I love his honesty so much.
Absolutely wonderfully done multidimensional characters, Real, for none of us are one dimensional. This is a beautifully done, much needed movie, for this time❣Thank you!
So there was a Judas in Billie Holiday's life too!
....my Lord
Several...
I have watched this interview 4 times. Excellent lessons. Thank you!
Hi Amanpour and Co, I like your content. I love watching your videos.
Your presentations of the truth despite the consequences...is priceless.... we are so grateful.....
My Gosh!! Lee Daniels Your AWESOME!! You Honoured Billie Holiday by being Sober...She Would Absolutely LOVE That!! We Honour You Lee Daniels ;] GOD BLESS & Keep you...’Lady Day’ Forever We’ll Play
100%, Mr.Daniels...I believe I am
"perfectly imperfect", a duality unto myself.
Is that not part of the bigger picture I ask myself😊
Yes also , a travesty of how they do us folk. Billie Holiday, a gift to us, and a course to them. Much respect for Miss Billie Holiday.
*curse
Going to dig out my Billie Holiday cd and listen with a new respect.
Pretty sure she'd want you to do everything in your life to dismantle white supremacy, aggressively and by any means, more than she'd want you to listen to her music. White, collective, apathy is always amazing to see. Lmfao
Too much TRUTH, that's why. Too much naked ugly TRUTH.
Lee that woman was so good, that if this movie had no sound, you could feel every emotion for each scene though her eyes. It would have been a big mistake to have not had this woman at this time. Bravo!
Thank you Billie but i see the people as fruit but the people hanging them were STRANGE!!! Still are!
Followers of Wickedness, Are here for their purpose also. To do Satan's deeds.
You can have an opinion, but that doesn't change the real meaning of the song
The song was written by a white, Jewish civil rights activist, Abel Meeropol, who adopted the two Rosenberg children. Their last name was changed to his.
I thought Billie Holiday wrote the words, did he write the music? Am I wrong?
Thank you for presenting this Truth as gratitude is due this winderful man who lived his truth and saved those children in a time that could have caused him to simply disappear...
@@elaineburnett5230 He wrote it but she was the first to sing it.
yes, he had a interesting story
Does it matter what race wrote the song, I think the message of black bodies swigging from trees went over your heads
As always, this was an AMAZING interview. Michel Martin is truly gifted. And what a great story! Both the movie and that of the director.
Great interview. I love Lee Daniels’ work and I’ve been a Billie Holiday fan since I was a little girl in the 60’s. As tragic as it is I am really looking forward to this film.
I remember reading the poem in AP US History but to hear it sung is so much more devastating.
Yep
Thank you Lee Daniels for bringing this film to fruition. The world needed to hear about the later years of the genius , talented, and beautiful Jazz Legend, Billie Holiday. Her legacy will forever live on.
This story needs to be heard.
Shows just how long such evil monsters have been allowed to terrorize a beautiful people.
These unrelenting terrorists can sometimes drive people to drugs, alcohol, violence and despondency with severe symptoms of PTSD. Affecting entire communities and families for generations. AND STILL THEY RISE!!! GLORIOUSLY! LIKE THE PHOENIX.
This is a story that needs to be told. Now, I would love for you to make peace publicly with Monique.
What an enlightening interview. Thank you Mr. Daniels for sharing your views and explaining so eloquently the depths of human strengths. Ms. Martin, you're an exceptional interviewer!
How did he not know what strange fruit meant until recently? That’s so odd to me.
because he didnt want to know... i know when ever i start playing that song i listen and then after a while i have to turnit off, imagine being a son or friend of someone who lost their life like that having to hear that song, i cant even imagine.. one thing for sure it needs to be heard today.
Wow! My wife had to show me this. Watching and listening to Lee was like hearing a reflection of myself. Everything he said about the vulnerability with the people he works with and security blanket and self anesthetization and the stopping. All resonated with me completely. I feel not alone. So, thank you for sharing Lee!
I like this story would like to see Lee Daniels speak on Reparations
"In Order to honor Billie I had to tell it sober" Wow Lee Daniels!!!!!!!!!
AN AMAZING MAN BEING AUTHETIC IS AMAZING
Lee Daniels thank you Us Government vs Billie Holiday is the best movie of Billie Holiday