The Black experience through music

I'm a big fan of the blues, and jazz, two genres which the great singer Billie Holiday often beautifully combined. It was through Diana Ross, however, in the mid seventies who introduced me and  a whole new generation to Billie Holiday through her  mesmerising portrayal of her tragic  life in 'Lady sings the blues'.

After watching that film I went out and bought many Holiday records, and other blues and jazz artist including, 'Lightenin Hopkins, Big Bill Bronzy, Bud Powell and Lester Young.

What struck me with the performers and their music was this link between the Black experience that could go from heart wrenching pain to soulful joy. Conveying the Black experience through music was not a melancholy exercise for the depressed but rather a validation of racism and wrongs that were being committed.

In the Guardian today, there is an interesting article about perhaps one of the most poignant songs ever written about Black injustice: Strange fruit. Moreover,  because it was sung by Billie Holiday, even at the tender age of 23, it is as though her very soul is weeping.

It's a good article, particularly for those that see the Black experience today through artists like Tinie Tempah -'We bring the women and cars and stars out' or Rihanna - and also  reminder of  the  Billie Holidays of this world and the  protest songs they sung that are much more than just a history lesson, they made beautiful music too.

Simon Woolley