Beth & Joe - Strange Fruit OFFICIAL Music Video

[@nordna]

I've known of Beth Hart since the mid to late 80s when she was a contestant on Star Search... this is the most subdued I've ever heard her. As a black man, I AM IN LOVE WITH HER. Her voice here is chilling, haunting, captivating, mesmerizing.... wickedly exceptional delivery. PERFECT

[@TheDaydreammaster]

I never could have said it better my friend.

[@elishaedison3807]

i guess im randomly asking but does anybody know a method to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@remingtonzechariah6687]

@Elisha Edison instablaster =)

[@Ripleys_mom]

She does it justice. Billie Holiday was a brave woman to record this in the social climate she was trapped in.

[@gusgone4527]

Regardless of colour she floats my boat too. Working with Joe bring something else out her and it's magical. Makes the hairs on my back stand up and gives me shivers.

[@dianeverwoest5659]

The meaning of this song is so sad. No more hanging. She has done justice to this song. Fabulous.

[@angelmatos9143]

One of the most haunting, riveting & important songs anyone will ever play.

[@kathykelley587]

Joe makes his guitar cry, while Beth makes me cry. Amazing artists!

[@annegreyling47]

Very true- agree

[@staceycoomer5521]

No one touches my soul like beth

[@redirish5939]

Spot on I tell my friends joe makes that guiater sound as if we should all cry..

[@sandraatkins2539]

Tell the truth!!!

[@dancollins5194]

Seen her twice … cried both times 🙏👌

[@minivanjack]

One of the most powerful songs in American history. A difficult song that Beth, Joe and all musicians here handle absolutely masterfully. Congratulations on bringing this high art to another generation.

[@augustalaurentbiehly3277]

When one thinks that no one can come close to Billie's and Nina's versions.... here comes Beth Hart! There are two modern female singers that move me to my core... Eva Cassidy and Beth Hart. Pain never sounded better.... the lyrics are extrordinarily beautiful, tragic, touching, moving... gorgeous arrangement too!

[@kurtmadison9517]

Amen

[@ЕкатеринаЕмельянова-г4ж]

Да!И меня тоже. Ева-и Бет👍 Еще Анджелина Джордан.

[@stevemann3080]

Eva brings me to tears every time. Beth comes a very close second. 🙏🙏

[@russelmurray9268]

Eva Cassidy yes and yes just the greatest. I miss her

[@J0hnny8ravo]

You should also listen to Annie Lennox’s rendition. Amazing, but little different.

[@CH3FFI3]

Beth's capacity for despair is unequalled.

[@xxgamerxxilean8738]

The face of Joe Bonamassa and his quitar saying all. He is one with his quitar, just perfect! And Beth, sublime like always! Thank you all for such an unique experience! Hats off! Love from Romania 🇷🇴.

[@raychelb6904]

Oh My God! Beth & Joe a professional match made in heaven & I do believe Miss Holiday is smiling!

[@luiseduardo-cn9ph]

Imagine Billie Holiday singing this at the beggining of last century! What a courage of this legendary woman! (sorry my english, i'm from Brasil).

[@patribiancco1124]

Perfeito !!!❤️

[@TheDaydreammaster]

I actually just listened to Holidays version. She does well. Yet, with Joe on the guitar behind Beth's extraordinary voice... #fugedaboudIT!

[@RocketKirchner]

when Holiday first sung this in Greenwhich village , there was no applause ...everyone was so stunned .

[@shadowofmyfutureself]

Your English is fine.

[@shadowofmyfutureself]

It's a fantastically moving piece

[@cordellwise2070]

I discovered Joe Bonamassa on MTV back in the late 90s. I was in college from 1965 to 1970. I'm not an accomplished musician, but from what I've seen, Joe Bonamassa has taken music to another level. The patient musicianship displayed in this video is astounding. Most people are not aware that this is an early jazz piece!

[@meep2576]

Sad and haunting song, this is a fantastic version without horns.

[@pushkinsafaya2749]

I listened to multiple renditions of this song and my conclusion is that we can’t say someone did it the best. Different versions affect people in various ways. For me, Joe’s guitar, which is crying and then a restrained anger mixed with Beth’s voice and choice of enunciation sent chills and evoked emotion. I think they complement each other in a way that is amazing.

[@redirish5939]

Wow..what a description..perfect

[@sinquinjp372]

Ayant 78 ans,, je suis toujours passionné de Beth Hart quand elle est accompagné de Joe Bonnamassa 😀❤️🎸🎹

[@9496TULL]

OMG!!!! That voice! That wailing guitar! I'm in heaven. Best version ever

[@ropaj6795]

This is the second best...listen to Nina Simone.But this is better than Billie Holiday, Jill Scott, India arie, and Annie Lenox. This is a great interpretation....indeed.

[@ceesp.vanleeuwen6304]

Gravity John Mayer

[@bluespig1]

Please, that is such an ignorant thing to write here. John Mayer is much more concerned about dating stars and his looks than he is about tradition or history with music.

[@janaecatt2407]

Ropaj Green she (Billie Holiday) wrote it, I would guess the direct shock of seeing what she was speaking about must have over powered the desire to share and from your words I would also say musical capability to convey the vision beyond a thought, she did not want to record nor perform the song as the story is told. She did it after much urging from the label who felt the poem needed sharing. I think the other interpretations only have their appeal because the other singers (who most likely have never seen a black person swinging dead from a tree) could feel and hear the melody with the distance required to not feel that numbing shock that you seem not to understand why you don't like from Billie Holiday's recording (the truest and most genuine rendition PURELY BECAUSE of its direct interpretation) they sing what they understand of what she saw nicely while she converted her truth under duress. this is a beautiful interpretation though.

[@bluespig1]

That's not actually true. Abel Meeropol wrote it as a poem in 1937. It was later recorded in song by many artists, probably none as haunting as Billie Holidays version although Annie Lennox also does a lovely rendition well worth looking up.

[@brianstewart2032]

I had always been under impressed by Joe. He always seemed technically brilliant but not much feeling. THEN, He gets together with Beth and this powerful magic happens. Beth really brings out the soul in Joe. I first noticed this on their version of rather be blind, in Amsterdam. Beth's incredible singing seemed to push him into another dimension.

[@pinballrobbie]

I second that, maybe Beth is Joe's muse.

[@redirish5939]

Definitely

[@tonyreina432]

The soul displayed in this rendition, is mind blowing. R.I.P. LADY DAY

[@TheDaydreammaster]

I feel exactly the same. This is the Thee m0st soulful song I've ever laid ears on in my life... Only I didn't realize that it's about the holocaust. Horrible. Yet, Beth knocked this 1 clear out the park. Her voice calms my savage beast.

[@randallmarsh1187]

@@TheDaydreammaster No, it's not about the Holocaust at all! It's about the lynching of Black Americans!!!!

[@BMoshai62]

@@TheDaydreammaster It isn't about the Holocaust. It's about slavery and racism in the USA. The song was written by Abel Meeropol, a Jewish man from The Bronx.

[@Automedon2]

I'm almost glad that Beth has never gotten the wider acclaim she deserves. This way we can keep her for ourselves.

[@eyadouiri3866]

That's selfish as fuck ._.

[@jasonb12]

Seems a rather harsh assessment.

[@bluespig1]

Which is actually all about you, so drop the ''caring'' bullshit.

[@DirkjeA]

Geez people, quit whining about this comment. It was clearly meant in a humoristic way. How silly to react like this. We would love to have lots and lots of people loving her great music ofcourse.......

[@wp4565775]

Now simmer down snowflake. Google is your friend.

[@savedandblessed79]

Best version I've ever heard of this song and that I'm sad to say includes the original. Beth Hart is best female white soul singer I've ever heard. Such feeling in that vocal. It's unreal. Teamed with Joe's playing and his band it's truly sweet

[@missjerseyz2008]

Love this version, love the original but Sting's version is my favorite for now

[@geebee1]

Katey Sagal & The Forest Rangers, better by a mile

[@singularman7589]

This takes you to a place to feel that otherwise you couldn't feel!

[@singularman7589]

But than again more than several I f Beth's songs do that. Her voice creates itches that you have to come back to over and over to scratch. A nice addiction!

[@singularman7589]

And Joe's guitar. And them two together!

[@obadabkr]

I've only discovered Beth Hart lately and been listening to her discography for a while, but THIS! THIS IS SOMETHING ELSE! this terrifying melancholic feeling this song gives is just something unique.

[@redirish5939]

I came across her by accident heard a tune in a pub in the background liked it so shazamed it lol ..been a fan ever since

[@netnat2428]

Как же это трогательно звучит. Душу рвет на куски. Это шедевр.

[@joeperry9814]

A classic rendition of a song dripping with blood and emotion

[@catalinagopian7265]

Maybe one of the most beautiful, strange, original and sad guitar solo ever...

[@klausposchmann7097]

I agree, i am not a Bonamassa - Fan, but what he plays here is one of the greatest things i ever heard

[@oddball8974]

Didn't think I'd ever hear anyone other than Billy do it justice. I was wrong. Fabulous.

[@Automedon2]

Yes , I listened to many other versions by Billie and other artists - I enjoyed them all, but still came back to Beth's rendition - every single word is given emphasis and emotion. What a work of art.

[@oddball8974]

+TheLeatherChannel oh yes

[@TheDaydreammaster]

Alone. Dark room. All but silent.... If only I could explain what her voice in this song does to me. The savage beast is soothed.

[@artimmius]

The guitar interpretation is pure genius

[@mwiinga6052]

She does it justice....PERIOD!!

[@МариянаЗапоровченко]

Джо и Бэти ,Вы огромные талантища ! Как все это созвучно моему настроению ... Вы свободные птицы высочайшего полета ... Браво !

[@krissysspice4lifem.o.lskin801]

Only you and Nina Simone have gifted me with goose bumps just by the melody. You are amazingly a gift of God for the souls who need more! I love you!

[@sureshkv8135]

It takes courage to even attempt this song, leave alone improving on most past versions of it. This one stands tall on its own. I also love Nina Simone's version - that is something else as it indeed should be

[@purpura1153]

Por Dios como suenan los 2 monstruos!!!!! Que fusion son fascinantes..... Beth, Joe. Sublimes😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheDellaniOakes]

Such an amazing song. It makes me cry every time I hear it. Best version I've ever heard.

[@Empirism]

Now... This gem been hiding from me years! I couldn't even wrote a comment before the last sound fades. Frozen. This is an experience.

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

Masterful job! Having grown up in the 60's, closing my eyes and listening to Beth's words, brought tears to my eyes, despite never having witnessed what she was singing. I do remember the black and white photo's of the South depicting the body hanging from a tree. That we could do this to another human being, I imagine, The Father was crying as well! Thank you Joe and Beth for this history lesson.

[@hdwenner]

The best cover. Absolute world class

[@TheDaydreammaster]

In combination with Joe's masterful, ghostly chords, her voice is haunting, and the lyrics, *sigh* Simply ghastly and sad. Doomed. As a student of history with a passion for song n dance, I'm utterly taken.

[@nightperuser]

Simply incredible performance by the entire band - wow. It gets better each time I listen to it. I saw Nina Simone sing this live and I have to say Beth Hart does as good a job……if not better. Haunting performance

[@jaredgarrow6904]

I swear it looks like joe has to physically hold himself back from shredding sometimes. He puts so much emotion into his playing I'm sure he feels when he plays exactly the same way as we do when we listen. That toe curling skin rising talent is just something you cannot miss.

[@peterquarmby3189]

Separately Beth and Joe both superb, together sublime. Unbelievably good,

[@tomix1970pl1]

When you let spirit play for you (feeling we call it) than miracles have a chance to happen.And we have Joe Bonamassa.Bless.

[@lisaweaver986]

Your quoted is exactly what creates music. Let feelings go as we call it.

[@missjerseyz2008]

I just heard this for the first time 3 days ago. I sent this to my daughter. She replied "Man... we may dominate their sports.. but there is something to be said about blueeyed soul." Ive listened to this song 20 times in the past 3 days. It is haunting more than usual in the wake of what just happen in Minneapolis.

[@doseofdesi926]

Smh

[@MissSusieQue1]

I love Beth's version so much......don't forget to listen to Billie Holiday's version....she was the first to sing it...much like Beth's....full of heart,soul & pain.

[@missjerseyz2008]

@@MissSusieQue1 I heard and love Billy holiday's and Nina Simone's version. Love them both.

[@nbgallaway5261]

I first heard this son while driving home. I had to pull over as chills moved all over-and it was summer. Gratefully I had Shazam and quickly punched in. I can’t get enough of it all. I didn’t want it to end. And each time I hear this, the vivid picture comes to life in my soul.

[@smoketodie]

The guitar player at the end was feeling it! Yes this cover is awesome. Great Job!

[@C_Becker]

The "guitar player" is fucking Joe Bonamassa!

[@SheilaIngramblues]

A few weeks before I found out that Joe and Beth did this song, I was talking to my mom discussing Billie Holiday songs when this song came up so I of course had to find it and listen to it. This is such a sad song, yet unfortunately holds truths such that many do not know of. I love Billie Holiday, I also love love love, Joe and Beth and I think they make musical magic.

[@vasiliypupkin9205]

Подарочек, на сон грядущий. Просто нет слов !

[@leenhuijer9416]

what a couple ! what a voice, what a guitar ... thank you God for bringing Joe and Beth together

[@RexDexter]

What a compendium of incredible talent-this is easily one of the best sets ever recorded in modern times. If you don't think so, too...well, what planet are YOU from?

[@DMEB]

Oh my. Its like billy meets floyd. This is one of the best versions of the song ive ever heard. Such scary poignant lyrics that perfectly mix with this lush and sweeping sound here. Hats off to mr Kevin Shirley who is a master of a producer. JOE AND BETH. A TRUE MUSICAL MATCH.

[@sambujas4410]

This song ALWAYS touches me!!! This is a really good rendition of it! Thanks, Joe & Beth! You seem to feel this sooooooo deeply! ;-*

[@J0hnny8ravo]

Annie Lennox does it great, even if it’s different. Give it a try.

[@johnpaul4784]

les 408 qui n'ont pas aimé doivent être des amateurs de rap ! comment c'est possible de ne pas apprécier ce chef d'oeuvre ? Beth est une des plus belles voix que j'ai jamais entendu et j'ai quand même 67 ans. ils sont extraordinaires !

[@carlaharrington5120]

I've got chills!!! I have been a huge Billie Holiday fan for decades. For me personally I would prefer MOST singers stay away from trying to cover this tune because they just can't do it justice. I should have known that Beth would be able to make it as haunting, painful, and mesmerizing as it deserves to be.

[@lesliedrewh]

Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa never cease to amaze me. I love Billie Holiday, and I never thought I would hear a version of her song that I would prefer to the original recording. But this cover of that dark, powerful song borders on the mystical. Beth Hart's artistry is unmatched, and Joe Bonamassa's guitar playing is really haunting. What an amazing cover of a classic song.

[@anderseriksen2282]

My outmost respect - brilliant done Hart & Bonamassa + band - 1 can hear and feel the cruelty and despare right to the bones...……………….

[@christinebovill961]

Almost impossible to sing this song. Beth, you bring something extraordinary to it x

[@davidgriffiths7215]

This sends shivers down my spine but the live version in their Amsterdam concert is even better.

[@gusgone4527]

This track is much more than the sum of it's component parts. WOW! Haunting. I keep coming back for more. Please please do more collaborations I'm hooked. The Beth and Joe combination is a winner. They seem made for each others style. MORE MORE MORE!

[@tiffanygrandstaff2942]

One of the best modern renditions of this song. Your artists really captured the pain in this song. Cheers!

[@momifatimahmedows2183]

I love all versions of this song. Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Diana Ross, Sounds of Blackness, Annie Lenox, Beth & Joe, each Artist breathes new life. Thanks for sharing.

[@Nonna7384]

Trying to convey my gratitude and enormous awe for this seems insulting.

[@susannovick5963]

Doesn't it? excactly what shot me down Boom Boom Bang Bang

[@martinoblues]

Thank you 🥰

[@leVerito]

Written by ABER MEEROPOL, a jewish professor of Russian origin affiliate to the Communist Party USA. He published the poem under the title "Bitter Fruit" in 1937 in a magazine. Later he composed the music and changed its title to "Strange Fruit". Meeropol, his wife, and black vocalist Laura Duncan performed it at Madison Square Garden. However song became famous with the interpretation of Billie Holiday in 1939.

[@johnnypk1963]

Thx for the info

[@DirkjeA]

Wow, that is great to know, tnx for the info indeed.... This is such a powerful song, gives me this eerie feeling and at the same time makes me wanna cry......

[@KahawaSQ]

I thought it was performed by Nina Simones.

[@fabienkopp8730]

later. great.

[@thatbird2]

Her cover of this classic is brilliant as well...

[@antnonie1730]

Hauntingly beautiful, a past that's so sad, guitar is crying, Beth Hart does this song justice, no doubt

[@claudiaaubin662]

so glad i found this womans amazing voice today HAUNTINGLY beautiful I hear a strong Janis Joplin coming thru thank you both Beth Hart your voice is incredible

[@killiet.6945]

Been watching this hundred times ..... Simply the most moving theme with the best vocal and guitar.

[@jovelinoalmeida4704]

Southern trees bear a strange fruit, Blood on the leaves and blood at the root, Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze, Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees. Pastoral scene of the gallant south, The big bulging eyes and the twisted mouth, Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh, Then the sudden smell of burning 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 leafs to drop, Here is a strange and bitter crop.

[@kullchaisae-lim8924]

Thanks a Lots.

[@joycepresnall9749]

I love this song, the eeriness makes you feel like you are in a dark forest, seeing the bodies hanging. You can picture it in your mind. It's amazing that they can emote such emotion from the chords they play that make you feel like you are there...experiencing some of the most horrific things that were done to black people for a very long time.

[@alfredbailon1513]

feels like something tickling crawling up through my vein. my god, that waillin guitar and that voice. im in love with Beth Hart.

[@leenhuijer9416]

Thank you God, for bringing Beth and Joe together

[@MagnoliaLoon]

CONGRATULATIONS ! "Seesaw" has been nominated for a Grammy for "Best Blues Album"

[@penfloyd]

One word "POWERFUL" Joe and Beth wonderful Duo

[@bevhes5304]

fantastic performance and the chilling,haunting sound of this is unforgettable. no one can sing it or play the music any better .what an epic performance from them all.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

There's hardly a thing she does that doesn't have me in tears. Joe's good too.

[@doogalloonni]

Some things should never be separated, like air and water... Beth and Joe.

[@MaryJaneTheGoddess]

Billie Holiday sang this and took such abuse before and during this period. That she had the strength to stand up and sing this song speaks to her strength. That it's written by a Jewish man after seeing a photo of a lynching is us all(no matter what race) is showing that we should have empathy for all. Brave song. StaySafe&Blessings🦋

[@utbabee]

Perfectly said.

[@olivierriviere7527]

A beautiful and moving interpretation. Beth Hart is among the greatest female blues singers.

[@bevhes5304]

great song, sang and music played to sheer perfection, what a wonderful haunting sound.

[@revbobj3220]

My favorite Billie Holiday song! This is incredible! Thanks!

[@antoniosimmini2403]

PERFECT...........genial... master of the blues......

[@kitkatsmeowcute]

Antonio Simmini thank you. I was just showing my husband this song. hes a dj and I thought he had to know this historical blues song.

[@bluesatsunset]

One of the most powerful songs ever written. Joe & Beth do this justice with interest. The best collaboration on the planet by a country mile. Damn, those volume swells are incredible.

[@steveclujhawkins8063]

Stunning vocals.....Beautiful Lady.

[@ronaldturpin6949]

I don't think there,s anyone on this planet who has the Voice & Soul like the Queen of Blues thank you Beth Love Ya.

[@leenhuijer9416]

did I metion already we are blessed Joe and Beth were brought together ? :-)

[@badingere]

It's perfect, simply perfect. 😤

[@9thBebeplanet]

And this is what i call "perfection"🎉🎉🎉❤

[@JP-ls7gi]

to maddraws: this song was not even written by a black person, it was written by a white jewish man from the bronx named abel meeropol. He wrote it as a poem after seeing a photograph of a lynching. This strong and powerful song carries the same message no matter who sings it. it is a painfully clear metaphor of lynchings, and you dont have to be black to sing it, the message is universal.

[@thinkman2467]

Yup it's like sayin nigga

[@deanhundley5256]

thank you EVONNE i'm sure as the poet would be happy with how this song translates the horrors of racism into a thing of beauty

[@williamdevaughn1671]

Evonne MoNique my dear sweet lady you are right more than even you know!I'm a white southerner from Mississippi, and nobody has seen the dark underbelly of the sickening visceral and esoteric racism like I have! only I have had to stand idly by and watch even my own family as well as some friends give way to and be completely overtaken by the hatred and seemingly white hot bitterness and bigotry caused by nothing more than tradition of racism. they say,......."well,...... my daddy and my momma hated N#%¥€₩s,....... and so I hate them too!" really?,....... well why,....... or what have black people done to you to make you hate em so much? "well,....... not much but as I said, my parents hated em so that's why I do too!" this is so sick! it's on such a demonic level that only almighty God can solve it. and I hope with His help we can stop this kind of hate. if not then we all are the losers!

[@jennyanimal9046]

Evonne MoNique thats what i thought..truly sad times..im sorry for those who have suffered..

[@samanthahannon8894]

Well guess it got stolen then call the police

[@uwe1_648]

Einfach nur Göttlich. Danke Euch, für die schöne Musik !!! Just Divine. Thank you, for the beautiful music !!!

[@calebsmith403]

She always brings it and she looks really beautiful in this.

[@patmullican9526]

I did not know the story behind this song, until today. 11/28/18. Thanks to all who shared their knowledge. The first time I saw a photo of a lynching, was in Sept. 1956. One of my teachers had it hanging in her classroom. I learned that the photo was taken, in Indiana. Seeing that photo had a profound effect on me, and is still burned into my memory.

[@sibiryak4264]

Из простейшей мелодии сделать шедевр!!!Невероятно!

[@TheDaydreammaster]

Dear Joe, Strange fruit has always been my fav. Only sad, to recently hear the trurh behind the lyrics. Yet I digress, your guitar along with Beth's voice. It does something to me. My heart is shredded my dear troubador.

[@AzurHvns]

Chills...!! Previously could not imagine anyone doing this song better than Billie Holiday. Although I don't feel the sadness as with Billie, Beth certainly makes it haunting.

[@JohnLumpp]

I’ve never heard this sung better. Amazing and haunting. Love you Beth

[@rossieossie9483]

fabulous n awesome what a beautiful combination.... love this song...

[@AmericangirlKim]

Love these two diamonds in the rough, chillin, playin, together, what a duo & what chemistry they have, ty

[@elvirarukletsova4934]

Невероятные!!! Мурашки по коже...

[@vessymink]

Epic pain. Beautiful rendition of a very real truth captured.

[@cabrerasole1]

Simplemente fantástico. Amo la guitarra de Joe y Hart posee una voz maravillosa, que delicadeza en la interpretación de ambos. Creo que es lo más orgásmico que he escuchado en toda mi vida!!

[@tanb9304]

I adore this song but can only go there every now and then because I know the story. It really is genius material - oh boy.

[@ireneruthfox]

Best vereisen since Billie....Wonderful.

[@mikewalker4496]

Beautiful rendition of a such a sad song. Beth and Joe truly magical.

[@utbabee]

This is sheer perfection!