VOICES OF PROTEST : Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit by Cécile Papillon

VOICES OF PROTEST : Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit by Cécile Papillon https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest The story behind the song "Strange Fruit" is well-known. Shocked by a postcard bearing a photograph of the lynching of Thomas Shipp and Abraham Smith in Marion, Ind., Bronx schoolteacher Abel Meeropol put pen to paper. Full of unforgettable imagery, his poem "Bitter Fruit" was published under the name Lewis Allan in 1936. He later supplied a melody so it could be sung at political rallies, but jazz icon Billie Holiday and her pianist Sonny White refashioned the simple tune. In the hands of many singers, "Strange Fruit" feels like a period piece — more of a memorial than a protest song, a symbol of less enlightened times. Poke around online and you'll find that the song has found a life beyond the jazz canon through a great number of artists. Which cover do you like best? Post the video and add a short comment to explain your choice. Do not forget to sign (with your real first name!) en-us 2016-12-10 07:47:45 UTC 2025-10-11 06:02:44 UTC hello@padlet.com THE ORIGINAL SONG (1937) papillon_cecile https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/142934808 Billie Holiday's 1939 song about racist lynchings stunned audiences and redefined popular music. In an extract from 33 Revolutions Per Minute, his history of protest songs, Dorian Lynskey explores the chilling power of Strange Fruit :
"It is a song so good that dozens of singers have since tried to put their stamp on it, and Holiday's performance is so strong that none of them have come close to outclassing her – in 1999, Time magazine named her first studio version the "song of the century".
On the single, Holiday doesn't open her mouth until 70 seconds in. Like Josephson with his spotlight, the musicians use that time to set the scene, drawing the listener in as if to a ghost story. Newton's muted trumpet line hovers in the air like marsh gas; White's minor piano chords walk the listener towards the fateful spot; then, at last, there's Holiday. Others might have overplayed the irony or punched home the moral judgment too forcefully, but she sings it as though her responsibility is simply to document the song's eerie tableau; to bear witness. Her voice moves softly through the dark, closing in on the swinging bodies like a camera lens coming into focus. In doing so, she perfects the song, narrowing the sarcasm of "gallant South" to a fine point and cooling the temperature of the most overheated image: "the stench of burning flesh". She is charismatic but not ostentatious, curling the words just so. Her gifts to the song are vulnerability, understatement and immediacy: the listener is right there, at the base of the tree. Look, she is saying. Just look."

]]> 2016-12-10 08:00:15 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/142934808 Strange Fruit - Sting & Gil Evans https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340780211 I chose this version because I think the music, and mostly the saxophone part, is really interesting. I wonder why Sting and Gil Evans sang it. The music feels like melancholy and is full of sadness. Initialy, I didn't really like the song, even if the lyrics were very powerful and Billie Holiday sang it perfectly to make people feel all the strong expressions. But in my opinion, this cover is more lively than the original one, and it makes me wanting to listen to it again and again. I think it's practical, because if we listen to it several times, we can easily understand the lyrics and the impact of the segregation.
Floralie]]> 2019-03-13 10:06:43 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340780211 Strange fruit - Jade Novah https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340780244 I choose this cover because, the instrumental really add a special feeling, she has a deep and clear voice wich makes the song more emotional. Moreover, the pain and the violence of the events are shown throught the clip.

Lorédana.]]> 2019-03-13 10:06:49 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340780244 Srange Fruit - P86 https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340780336 i like his voice and the instrumental, this version is better than Billie's.
graz]]> 2019-03-13 10:06:57 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340780336 Strange fruit by Diana Ross https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340781358 I love the fact that she is almost singing a capella because we can hear her wonderful voice perfectly. It is slow and calm so i feel relaxed when i listen to it. It is much melancholic.
Jadou 1L1.]]> 2019-03-13 10:09:57 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340781358 Strange Fruit - Jade Novah https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340781783 I decided to choose this cover because the voice of the singer, Jade Novah, sounds like Billie Holiday's voice. The whole sounds sounds like the original song, but with a modern twist added to it. I really like the end too, where the song is getting faster and louder. It's really modern and the clip is in Black and White, you can only see the singer, and sometimes pictures. There isn't actions in the clip only lyrics and the viewers listening and analysing them. Just like if you were listening to the original song. And those references are what makes this song timeless. The context doesn't matter, as long as the message is the right one.
Hugo]]> 2019-03-13 10:11:17 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340781783 Strange Fruit - Andra Day https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340782203 I love his voice and there are many instruments in the background.
manon]]> 2019-03-13 10:12:20 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340782203 Strange Fruit by Josh White https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340783348 Josh White is an american singer, guitarist, songwriter and civil rights activist.
He sang Billie Holiday, I like his cover.
His voice is deep, it shows the violence of the lyrics of this sing, only one instrument accompanies him that allows to hear his voice well and to concentrate on.
This type of song is blues a style where the singer expresses his sadness and disappointments
Océane]]> 2019-03-13 10:15:48 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340783348 Strange Fruit by Cocteau Twins https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340785032 I liked this cover because of the industrial music tone that it have, helping to express the darkness of the theme presented by the song, making it almost frightening. The singer, even if she is a women (which help to remember the original one) isn't black nor American and the song is from 1999. It didn't bother me anyway.
Dimitri]]> 2019-03-13 10:21:41 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340785032 Strange Fruit - Dominique Fils-Aimé https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340788291 I choose this cover of strange fruit because the mood of this version look like the real version of Billie Holliday.
Arthur]]> 2019-03-13 10:32:08 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/340788291 Strange fruit - P86 https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341104817 I chose this cover because the voice is more powerful than Billie Holiday's one. I enjoy the way that the singer interprets the lyrics, it sounds less morose and his voice is more commited in this. Also the instrumental is important as the piano, electric guitar and battery accompanies the voice on intense parts of the music.
Brachet J.]]> 2019-03-13 22:17:55 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341104817 Strange Fruit By P86 https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341642141 In my opinion, I prefer this music than Billie's version, because the singer's voice is soft and pleasant, more relaxing than the original version, the piano and the electric guitar are very important in this cover, and they make the charm of the atmosphere.
This music makes me feel melancholic and powerless.

Guillaume 1L1]]> 2019-03-15 07:48:10 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341642141 Strange Fruit by Nina Simone https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341642684 I really like this version of Strange Fruit because the music is quiet at the first and then takes power in the voice afterwards, it's powerful. I like the fact that this a version with piano, it gives more importance to the voice and that's what gives power to the music. There is no clip, just a picture of the singer, we are more focus on the voice and no on the clip, it's interesting. the lyrics are already violent and her voice affect us deeply, because she shows us the darkness of the lyrics. it's truly sad. Melissa 1L1]]> 2019-03-15 07:50:48 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341642684 Strange fruit - Sam Miller https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341643009 I choose this cover because I like his simplicity. He has simple mic and guitar. His voice is particular and he seems humble. Accords make me think "Back to black".

Marie-Lou]]> 2019-03-15 07:52:15 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341643009 Strange Fruit by Andra Day https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341643106 I choose this cover because of the singer's voice. Her soft voice really fits the lyrics, she is singing slowly and the music is calm. It feel like a modern version of the song. The clip doesn't really match with the subject of the song except the part where we can see the singer because she look sad. At the end of her cover she begin to sing faster and louder. The message still stay the same as the original version.
Florian]]> 2019-03-15 07:52:44 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341643106 Strange Fruit- Common ft. John Legend https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341644445 Honestly, this version is clearly my favourite just for the rythm and the mix between Rap and some kind of Jazz. The two singers are really talented and the prod (made by Kanye West) is really impressive and accurate for the topic of the song. Moreover, this cover respect the original version with the same energy around it. This song is obviously a Masterpiece.

Lulu, 1L1]]> 2019-03-15 07:59:22 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341644445 Jeff Buckley https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341644709 I found this version of Strange Fruit very powerful and intense. The atmosphere is different, the guitar at the beginning is calm and soothing. We are like a other world, the singer voice sounds clear and like breaking. I feel good when i listen this cover who is in live with just a picture, we are more focus on the song. We have the impression that the singer is melancholic and feel a strong emotion.
I like this version, this is a very good recovery of a classic that is difficult to resume.]]> 2019-03-15 08:00:38 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341644709 Strange Fruit by Annie Lenox https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341645591 I like this cover of "Strange Fruit" because it's more melancholic than the original. The quality is also better, wich is normal but it makes the difference. The voice of Annie Lenox is powerful and gives to the music an dramatic effect.

Inès 1L1]]> 2019-03-15 08:05:15 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341645591 Vivian Sessoms' Reprise https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341646892 This one's got something the others don't have. Most of the reprises I heard are more covers than reprises, due to the fact that the music and the melody are still pretty much the same as the original song. Sessoms' reprise feels totally new and modern, (it's from 2018) the music is really different, and last but not least, the first thing that made me say "this one's a good one" is that this is soul, a kind of music I relate strongly because I've been listening to it since I was little.
Noa]]> 2019-03-15 08:12:02 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341646892 Strange fruit by Jill Scott https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341646966 I love this cover by Jill Scott, she has chest and a beautiful voice. There is a good instrumental. I feel a vibrations in my body.

Elo 1L1]]> 2019-03-15 08:12:23 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341646966 Strange Fruit by Sons of Anarchy https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341647847

I choose that cover because of the way the musicians interpret the instrumental of the original music. In fact, the specific feature of the rock give a sort of refashion and permit to the song to be more appropriated to our era. Moreover, the singer’s voices is more loudly and powerful according to the rhythm. The more the song is played, the more the vocalist seems to be over involved. For that matter that ardor can be related to an angry accusation. Furthermore, the back singers at the begin of the cover reinforce this idea, created a music evolving emotionally elapsing by sorrow to outraged.

M.Marcelino

]]> 2019-03-15 08:16:11 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341647847 Strange Fruit - Annie Lenox https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341648506 I decided to choose this cover because of the emotions we can ear when the singer, Annie Lenox, interpret this song. I can feel that she knows of what she is talking about, and even if she isn’t black, this subject affect her. Also the song sound like the original because her voice is more present than the instruments even though the piano and violins add an opera’s effect. This “classic” touch is really powerful and the whole music gives me goosebumps.
Margot]]> 2019-03-15 08:19:03 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341648506 Strange Fruit by Jeff Buckley https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341648666 I admire Jeff Buckley, in particular his intense voice. I know him for his cover of Hallelujah but it is evident that he has a talent for giving us the shivers.
His guitar sets the scene... It's the unique sound of the 2.15 first minutes however it's not disturbing at all, on the contrary. It's maybe the most angelic aspect of this piece.
Despite the fact that he's white, the lyrics echo inside of us. In the flights of lyricism, sometimes he has a gentle sensitivity, sometimes, just as Billie Hollidays, he explodes and denounces violence with his piercing accentuations.
Moreover, this version has something 'authentic' because it's a live. I can easily imagine the public in front of him, watching him wordlessly (like an attenuation of Lady-Day's one).
Ju]]> 2019-03-15 08:19:45 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/341648666 Strange Fruit by Andra Day https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/342051585 I choose the Andra Day’s version of Strange Fruit because the music video begins with an “introduction” to lynching, it shows well the duration of the lynching since 1877 to 1950. I think that this music video is important for this version. We can see a desert, the sun, a tree and Andra Day chained at the wrist with cuffs and chains. The instrumental gives the impression that we are in the south at the end of the day. Andra Day’s singing seems more like a moan like John Martyn. It looks like she suffer to sing this song, like she feels the same thing as black people hanging on the trees that she is talking about. I feel like this version really convey the hardness of lynching.

Jesse Lema 1L1

]]> 2019-03-16 22:01:44 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/342051585 John Martyn https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/342558097 I have greatly appreciated this version of Strange Fruit. I liked the fact that the music is slow and takes a big place, especially at the beginning of the song. I mainly chose this cover for the voice of the singer that I find hoarse and very rocking. It feels to me very melancholic and emotional. The singer makes me feel a lot of things through his voice tone and his pronunciation sometimes a little bit whispered. I think that the fact that a British, and more particularly a white person is making such a cover can underscore a sign of respect for African-Americans who have been segregated. To my view, the singer wanted to pay tribute to all these victims of human cruelty. This version of John Martyn is very powerful for me, the lyrics are sublimated, every word is poignant, every note is captivating. This artist sings with all his soul and that is what I love.
D. Léa ]]> 2019-03-18 18:30:45 UTC https://padlet.com/papillon_cecile/voicesofprotest/wish/342558097