Billie Holiday Unplugged (An Unaired 1956 Interview)

[@2toofine]

It's so enjoyable hearing Miss Billie's voice so clear. Feels like she's sitting right in front of me. Thanks so much for sharing this treasure!!!!

[@bgbraz]

The interviewer treated Billy with complete respect. I didn't expect that.

[@thudor1]

But Harry Anslinger was hunting her down, even back then, because of a brilliant song about a horrible aspect of the American South.

[@seidenspinner]

“Unaired”.

[@sternumunknown]

billie*

[@joeanthony1456]

Anslinger hated blacks period. Anslinger wanted to target all black jazz musicians. Armstrong was on the list too.

[@meghanmisaliar]

Why not???

[@terrisl.edwards2743]

The legendary Billie Holiday still lives on! Thanks to Lee Daniels and Audra Day for bringing her back into our lives.

[@judywalker2849]

YEEESSSSS!!!! I saw the movie on HULU they did an amazing job, thet need to get the NAACP Awards for best movie, director and actress.

[@deborahfox3943]

Fuck Lee Daniels.

[@dawnwillingham4432]

@@deborahfox3943 i was about to say the same thing fuck that demon

[@supergrissi]

You mean "Andra Day"?

[@tallyfeaturinggranny8511]

He did a good job interviewing her in my opinion. He allowed her to speak and very respectful in her thought process and just a overall lovely interview.

[@stephaniesocail8757]

This woman never got the accolades she deserved. She was a true activist for black people. I love Billie Holiday because she loved black people.

[@juliejensen7370]

Yes. Though Ella went through hell and never turned to drugs.

[@matty629ify]

@@juliejensen7370 Why compare the two? Jerk.

[@The6thelement9413]

So do I. A very talented woman who had two strikes against her....

[@The6thelement9413]

@@juliejensen7370 Did Ella see a lynching and have a mother who had her daughter live in a brothel? Some people are stronger than others.

[@AMEER-114-]

Steph.. How stupid does this sound? I love any white person who loves white people. Thats the same thing as what you said.

[@dloren2010]

Billie was one of the most talented and most beautiful people of all time. I pray her soul is resting in peace and love. She is incredible to listen to in an interview and singing.

[@annettetalavera3739]

MY FAVORITE SINGER IN THE WORLD!!! I WILL ALWAYS LOVE BILLIE HOLIDAY. IF BILLIE HOLIDAY LIVED TO AT LEAST 80 YEARS OLD, SHE WOULD OF HAD ALOT MORE GREAT RECORDINGS. BILLIE INSPIRED ME. WHEN I WAS ABOUT 11 I HEARD HER MUSIC FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND THATS WHEN I KNEW THAT I WANTED TO SING. SHE HAD SO MUCH EMOTION IN HER SONGS. I READ HER BOOK AND I CRIED ALOT. I KNOW THAT SHE SUFFERED, BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT SHE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SINGERS TO ME OF ALL TIME. AND WILL ALWAYS B MY FAVORITE. FOREVER. R.I.P. BILLIE YOU WILL ALWAYS B LOVED!!!

[@Gardosunron]

She's my favorite singer in the world as well. No one else comes close.

[@nkululekonazo5755]

Beautiful ❤️👑

[@dangerousbrothersvintageel7494]

@@nkululekonazo5755 Taurus

[@susiearioli2042]

Two big myths busted here - she listens to other singers' stuff more than her own, and she prefers concert halls...she breaks my heart, the horrible men and dealers sucking her life and all that Art away..the purest and most unaffected of singers. Hail the queen.

[@alexoliver4222]

Hello 👋 Susie How are you doing today

[@davidsambora8924]

This is INDEED, WONDERFUL! My heart is FULL...

[@Rippenhengst]

I was addicted for decades and can tell you, it were not the men at the first place. A full blown junkie would walk Mount Everest for a hit.

[@marymagdalene3004]

Let's not forget that her parents did not do her any favors! That's where all her hardships began and likely messed her up for life.

[@CalamityJane3280]

I just love her “ giggling” about herself! She’s so down to earth! She’s an Aries like me. She can laugh at herself and yet remain so humble! She always thought “ she could do it better” Yet, she was so awesome! Those are the best people! So modest and humble! I hope she finally found peace on the other side.

[@clankb2o5]

I wish I could hug her

[@Shortlady82]

Me too

[@latoyaqwena7689]

Me too. 😢

[@choicewordz928]

Same

[@logancrew]

Me too!

[@tenaleverette123]

She’s very modest, it’s refreshing!

[@berthajones412]

Apparently Whoever Decided She Was Drunk Didn’t Know A Harlem Dialect, Or Just Didn’t Listen To The Interview, Her Singing Voice Is The Same Just More Passionate, Her Voice Is That Of A Hard Life, But Well Lived, Lesser People Couldn’t Have Made Or Accomplished As Much. RIP Lady Day

[@Juan35.29]

I'm from NYC and have lived in Harlem. I love in Billie to DEATH, she's drunk. Drunk and high as hell. She sounds like a typical Harlem drug addict.

[@nikinichols6382]

She sounds high on heroine.

[@golden50snomad52]

She was high. And I think they should have aired it. Hearing her high wouldn't have made un-impressionable people run out to get heroine. She sang high. Hell most of the musicians then were high, also on heroine. They still performed. No one was afraid the audience would run out in droves to go buy heroine & get high. The interviewer knew she was high & he kept her on track & was very professional.

[@genalugo5416]

@@Juan35.29 And love her no matter what she is.... Wish she was able to live clean and sober. Love her music.

[@natalee217]

Thank you for that

[@sharidagaines9331]

Lady Day was truly a genuine and legendary performer who wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in and she paid a great price for standing up instead of being silenced, the government went through great lengths to silence her voice and art by even going to the lowest levels of exploiting her addiction to do so. Praying that her truth will be told and that she receives the honor due to her. In 1939 she was a powerful voice for civil rights through her rendition of Strange Fruit, which protested the injustices we see still today 82 years later. She was a voice of the people using her art to convey an important message of the need for equality, acknowledgement and justice. Looking forward to Hulu's new movie highlighting this part of her story

[@anndavis2920]

She sounds like a little girl to me, speaking or singing. Her laugh is so cute. Love u lady day always & forever. Happy born day & may God rest your soul. 4-7-20

[@vadamsable]

Human beings can carry a lot of pain around in their bodies. Sad!

[@medra3494]

Yes, that is so true Vickie

[@someonewhocares5924]

So they do and when they express it we are all soothed

[@eboneyboswell4328]

Andra Brought BILLIE ALLLLLLLLLL THE WAY BACK TO LIFE

[@jamilahanderson0804]

Yes

[@alexd1121]

Like all the rarest legends of the arts, she sounds timeless and ahead of her time. Like someone from our time is speaking to a reporter from the 50's. He sounds so dated. She doesn't at all.

[@nolovelost4020]

He comes across like a robot! Firing questions at her with no heart or soul and a complete lack of interest. Shame SMH!

[@courtneylia7383]

@@nolovelost4020 I felt the same way 😟

[@brunildamarrero2095]

@@courtneylia7383 Me too!

[@Glad2BGolden]

She’s plain spoken like a lot of Black Americans

[@Kinopanorama1]

The interviewer is completely inept; Billie, on the other hand, is honest, forthright and enjoyable to listen to.

[@Melloooooo949]

Billlie Hoilday aka Lady, Billie was so misunderstood All Billie wanted was Love All the triumph and Tribulation Billie was 1 of a kind so pure and genuine, This was a special treat her Billie Holiday in the radio I pray she found peace on the other side She will always be remembered and showed love through he music Rest on Paradise Mrs Billie Holiday ❤❤🥰😍

[@sailoramanda]

Andra was spot on with imitating her voice.... wow

[@bonbon-gl8qo]

Anybody else here after watching the The United states vs Billie Holiday on HULU?

[@javonasingleton1165]

Yes I just watched it it was deep I loved it!!I love lady sings the blues but this one puts more light on what was really going on in her life and why the government was on her. And lady sings the blues they didn't give too much detail and I damn sure didn't mention that song strange fruit. The lyrics to that song is so real and so dramatic, she truly captured our pain and I can see why the government didn't want her to sing that song. Is simply because some of their guilt they had to accept because they know they was bogus as hell

[@reneeknight1028]

I watched it Sunday. Sad movie and too many men were evil and sellouts. But a great movie.

[@TP-qs9wp]

DURING

[@Satail99]

The movie tells so much I didn’t know. Billie Holiday is GREAT! And Andra Day did an incredible job!

[@donalddavis6689]

@@javonasingleton1165 PREACH ON!! @Javona Singleton - That's Why Our Black African American Singer's!! Like Mrs. Diana Ross, Lady Sings The Blue's 🎶 1972.. And Andra Day, The United State's Vs. Billie Holiday 🎼2021.. Are Keeping Billie Holiday 🌼 🌼.. Memories Alive.. So The Whole World 🌎.. Can See And Know.

[@guardthegoat5925]

Andra day spoke just like her in the movie 🙌🏾

[@bdonnici]

Andra could be the reincarnation of Billie! I've never seen such a great biographical performance. I had to keep reminding myself I wasn't actually watching Billie.

[@gjproducer313]

@@bdonnici If she doesn't win an Oscar for her role then we know that something is really wrong.

[@DIZZYMANE]

I'm here after watching the movie, and I would've never guessed that this was her 1st acting role, she delivered hands down.

[@DIZZYMANE]

@@gjproducer313 Unfortunately she won't win because she's up against Viola Davis (whom will win) which is bitter sweet because Day nailed this role, not taking anything from Viola because she was also good & is deserving of the Oscar.

[@dddddadadad1796]

🙄🙄🙄😂y’all need HELP

[@JassminaVellucci]

I love her so much. The first time I heard her voice I fell in love with her. She was raw and real. So much pain and sadness in her voice. She as the power to touch every emotions in you. She was the greatest ever.

[@N-nj4iu]

I love her, her music has transformed me in a lot of ways.

[@rochelleb973]

my mom was a super fan and performed her songs. jazz was all in my house. I grew up listening to her. I'm 52 now and still listen to her all the time.

[@TheBlocker73]

The actor who played her did a great job.

[@jamilahanderson0804]

Yes she did loved it

[@Gingerblake2023]

Yes she did she sound just like Billie Holiday 😮

[@brendadaniels9399]

She sure did,as well as the guy who played the FBI agent. Excellent movie.

[@danijones819]

Andra bought the spirit of Billie Hoilday to life the govt targeted this woman for singing about lynching and when she wouldnt shut up and stop singing they made her life hell please watch the movie it was so good...RIP Ms. Holliday

[@sharonm6334]

I loved the movie

[@ImTJandMJ]

This movie is engraved in my soul! Andra really captured Billies presence and it’s a one of a kind piece of work, this project was truly amazing it’s like lee Daniels hardly ever misses !!

[@MsR-si7tt]

I loved her story but I hate the price she had to pay! Love is what she needed and all the people around her did was take from her and abuse her!

[@DA-gn2my]

That was a very classy interview, it's like they both have good manners

[@RalphDratman]

This is fantastic! What a treat to get to know Billie this way.

[@MrNEILSUPERNAUT]

Amazing sound quality considering how old this is.

[@nathanielrossi9659]

I know I was kinda thinking the same thing it's pretty clear could've been today ya know.

[@ClearOutSamskaras]

It's from 1956., not 1806, there's no reason to expect it to not sound good.

[@Dollieglitz]

Im pretty sure modern engineering has maid it possible to improve sound quality.

[@JungleYT]

Good point... I'm 62 and this was about 3 years before I was born in late 1958! Then again, this was a professional radio studio?

[@marshakay5035]

@@nathanielrossi9659 [

[@mamabear0106]

I have been a fan of Billie Holiday for years. Her short life was tragic from the start, but she was a tough lady that left this earth too soon. My heart breaks listening to this interview - she sounds so tired. Out of all the recordings that she's done, her last album "Lady in Satin" that was released months before her death, makes me cry. One of the greatest legends of the 20th century. RIP, Lady Day.

[@sashachitownvillegas6850]

Great interview i really love her laugh it's so cute she's an amazing Woman❤️RIP Lady Day🌹

[@INFJ_Pisces]

One of the strongest, most talented, unique & inspirational talents of our time ... so hurt and taken advantage of by everything and everyone in her path.. truly sad..

[@kofthebaskervilles]

It's great to see Billy Holiday smiling. She had a hard life and she certainly deserves our love and respect.

[@Mongo76]

I have always loved her speaking voice.

[@haroldedmunds8928]

Nice interview. I love the host. He has a great voice and he was very respectful. I appreciate that. Holiday is a legend.

[@skimanization]

She's my most beloved lady of Jazz, and this interview was made when I was born, great staff.

[@tgarland5138]

omg i love her speaking voice, never heard her just have a conversation other than singing

[@TheNinasosa]

I have loved this woman since I was 7 years old I’m almost 40 and I still love her.

[@sonniejohnson4142]

The very same for me ♡

[@kacygagnard88]

She sounds so nice ,,I do enjoy her music. RIP BILLIE. I LOVE U ❤ 💙 💚 💜

[@marlarlynch9168]

Shes my favorite n like lady day says aint no bodys bussiness if i do

[@marlarlynch9168]

I love lady day. N like she says aint nobodys bussiness if. I do

[@marytfeia7536]

WOW 1956 SHE WAS AHEAD OF HER TIME ITS A GIFT

[@raczgreen6053]

Both my parents were born in 56...lol!

[@viggosimonsen]

She speaks exactly as she sings

[@keicancook2025]

Anybody else here from the Hulu Documentary!? 😊🎶🍉🍑🍓🍍

[@shavonbrodie8242]

Yup !

[@clodiamyers2511]

Me

[@Greatlygiftedmccall106]

The movie was pretty good

[@managingmommyhoodchelle5533]

Yup now I’m googling her

[@donalddavis6689]

Billie Holiday Are Jazz Herself 🎶 🎶.. Lady Day.. She Is 🌼 🌼.. Think GOD That She Told Her Story Then!! And That Our Black African American's Movie Star's Of Today 🎥 🎥 Are Telling Her Story 🙏 🙏.. R.I.P. Billie Holiday 🌼 🌼.

[@Anointed-q5e]

Billie was so hurt had a messed up childhood and u can hear it in her voice poor lady full of talent and was very much unhappy and in pain wish she could of got the help she needed 😔🌺rip lady day

[@nana_vs_liv]

Andra had her voice down packed wow she really really pulled her voice off really well!!

[@michellehill2392]

She really did an amazing job. That's why i wish major studios or streaming channels would get the rights to black music biopics instead of freaking Lifetime. It's like Night and Day.

[@ToniWellons]

She sounded so much like her it’s downright scary. I would’ve never thought she hadn’t acted before! She was transformative as Billie

[@ligas70]

This is the sweetest voice i have ever heard. Lady Day we will always remember you.

[@AuntieSDC]

This interviewer was so on point, he allowed Ms. Holiday to answer her questions honestly and in a breezy manner. Shame on the radio station for not airing this wonderful conversation with the legend of my people , Ms. Billie Holiday.

[@truckcloud]

Her voice is one of the most distinctive in music history like DMX and Pavarotti.

[@lyndafaulk547]

She sound so sweet and modest.

[@richardandjudybernard1097]

Such a dear lady , so real and honest

[@jhas888]

Incredible ... to be tuning in to an unheard radio interview from 60 years ago. Inane questions. Lovably tolerant answers by one of the Very Greats of Jazz.

[@tatemcilwain1775]

Oh my god I love her, she seems so nice, I want to give her a hug.

[@JelaniB28]

“Are you afraid of everything that wiggles?” Slick joker 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jeaniechowdhury6739]

I just 💙 her voice & giggle.

[@elifedigansfunnyfactory6890]

Know that you are admired amongst the hispanic community Queen 👑 of Jazz

[@gloriahufnagel5556]

RIP Billie.. no matter what you did in your life, NOBODY can take Lady Days talent away.. 💕

[@islewait6107]

My love to Billie....what a woman.

[@cuedini]

This is my idol. I love billie

[@getaq6508]

THAAAAAAAANKKK YOU!!!!!!! I love to hear these vintage recordings.

[@gslimm40]

She has a beautiful voice just talking! RIP Mrs Billy Holiday 🙏 💙 🎵

[@gloriavalentine8173]

VERY good quality & clear for an old interview! She sounds a little tired though like she's out of breath sometimes. Thanks for this information it's wonderful!!! 😊

[@glendabrown8674]

I truly appreciate her so much no one is perfect she was awesome

[@typereira4643]

Billy comes around for ever generation .

[@kemartini]

I love her voice, it’s so soothing.

[@vernaburton7]

The only thing I have to say for Ms. Audra Day is this: " lady walk up to the stage and collect your Academy Award"👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@susanwynn2820]

You know hollyweird won’t do that.

[@vernaburton7]

Stranger things have happened Ms. Wynn.

[@susanwynn2820]

@@vernaburton7 lets hope! She certainly deserves it and thank you to the person who put the story together.

[@stephaniehigginsgarrett5998]

Great interview! Billie wrote & released her own music as well as a best selling novel, but ended up broke. Another example of the industry stealing from artist. Billie’s music will live forever. RIP🙏🏾

[@mahagony74red53]

No sis that wasn't the case here... Billie was making gudd money but she spent as fast as she got it and her last husband robbed her blind....she wore the finest clothes/accessories and partied hard...I saw an video where a close associate said she spent a gudd amount of her earnings on drugs/alcohol and that she didn't even have a night gown that she slept in a old evening gown or a silk robe...

[@justleo7913]

Just saw the movie. I had no idea what she was into offstage or her background. She’s even more interesting to men now that I know about her pains and struggles. What an authentic person.

[@natalinaconidi6313]

Hilarious strokes, full with loving, emphatic attitude.❤

[@southsydesasha3125]

I love her love to hear this interview!! Lady Day.... unique, special and i am honored and proud to hear this! Thanks for posting 🙏🏾RIP LADY DAY BILLIE HOLIDAY🌺🌹🌸

[@alicesbeloved4109]

Thank you for uploading this & sharing!

[@blackloveincense]

Thanks for another great hidden gem.

[@reneeroberson1217]

My heart is full when I saw her life story to see how one man truly loved her

[@alexoliver4222]

Hello 👋 Renne How are you doing today?

[@nkululekonazo5755]

I feel so emotional now listening to this in 2021 and the movie 🍿 about her is out and it's winning awards...she live a beautiful and tragic life at the same time...but thank God the truth about her is being told on film 🎥 Shout-out to #AndraDay for a stellar performance.

[@angelaclarke3305]

Her voice sounds as it does when she sings. melodic

[@3mo557]

I just watched the Hulu bellie holiday documentary movie: wow is all I can say. Thank you bellie for your heroic efforts and truthful words. Rize up high and higher for ever.💗

[@d3a1990]

Excellent sound. Thank you! Billie's a doll. She most certainly had "jazz".

[@gloriaallen8051]

So appreciative of the opportunity for exposure to this rare historical documentation of Legendary Lady Day!

[@brunildamarrero2095]

She sounds so sweet! RIP precious 💜🕊🌹

[@formerlyarandompropernameb9327]

I’m just here. That’s all. I wake up, acknowledge and praise God, give Him the care of what that day would bring, and I go on. That’s all. So now I’m eating listening to Lady Day 💕

[@jeaniechowdhury6739]

She was a brilliant talent. God bless her soul.

[@AsadAli-zo8vq]

Thank you so much for this opportunity to hear her voice again. Very Velvet Mood ! She is still a legend today 2018 and always will be ! RIP Lady Day 💝🙏💝

[@Danuta628]

Unbelievable- she was a true legend in her own time.. a living angel 🌹💗🌹

[@Amberszone]

Sometimes people Come into this life with a fixed amount of energy & they’re not able to regenerate along the way, therefore leave WAY too soon! I’m reminded of Judy Garland listening to Lady Day & breaks my heart all the vultures that just tore into these ladies, never giving them a chance. They had too much heart & it’s so sad!! Still, Legends are Forever!!! 🔥 Xo

[@jajaelleshabazz1867]

True! The most delicate talented souls have been destroyed by abuse, drug abuse and excess.

[@AlphaOmeg-y3h]

The wages of sin are death. Case closed.

[@frankfrank7921]

@@AlphaOmeg-y3h I've got news for you, the end result of all lives, pious or profane, is death. Case closed.

[@phamthephabulous]

@@jajaelleshabazz1867 and what exactly comes before drugs and excess? Destruction. It began long before a narcotic. Nobody numbs a pain that doesn't exists.

[@imaniwilson1848]

Yes, her and Judy’s stories are very similar except for the additional burden of racism.

[@elizabethrigby3901]

Something in my heart tells me she loved animals... 😍 Bless you billie

[@proverbsgal]

Wow she sounds so sad....and tired. What a lady and a talent.

[@beverlyholmes8269]

The quality of this is amazing. Makes me wonder if Andra Day studied this to match her vocal cadences. Lady Day.

[@battleelf6523]

BILLIE HOLIDAY MURDERED BY HARRY J. ANSLINGER

[@NostaIgiaJunkie]

He's killed many more. Bastard is burning in his personal hell where strange fruit plays on repeat.

[@Jazzmarcel]

Wait, is this true?😳.........

[@NostaIgiaJunkie]

@@Jazzmarcel not literally. He was desperate to keep blacks and whites segregated, and Billie gave people hope. The fact a black woman wouldn't succumb to his threats and harassment boiled his piss. Watch the movie. Shows how the FBI was so heavily involved in Billie's downfall, like planting drugs on her after being sober 2 months clean.

[@Jazzmarcel]

@@NostaIgiaJunkie DAMM!😳😡............ Brah, This is another reason why racism needs to be finally replaced with justice!

[@mumalisablackgold5738]

He was a 😈 demon He & a lot of his people...

[@ginabutler1294]

Andra Day knocked it out of the park!!! Can’t believe this was first film. She did a wonderful job. Miss Lawrence did good too.

[@GigiLovesLola]

Just discovered this gem 💎. Thank you soo much for this upload!! 🤗 Going to look up on HULU, appreciate it 💝

[@lauraleecreations3217]

She is so talented!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sylviagordon2183]

My first time hearing her speak for herself...Thank you for putting this on KZbin...I can her that she has mucus in her body when she laughs from smoking.

[@farfetched9296]

A mighty soul soft spoken. Her own worst enemy in her imperfections when in reality EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT ABOUT HER.

[@showbizstories3586]

WOW!!! Check out the powerful and poignant performance of Strange Fruit by the amazing 3 MO' DIVAS on the Showbiz Stories channel! A very unique arrangement combined with the rarely heard Lament!

[@farfetched9296]

@@showbizstories3586 ah yes eloquent indeed a performance...more of an arrangement of her very essence💙💙💙

[@showbizstories3586]

@@farfetched9296 Thank you. Did you see the Billie Holiday movie on HULU starring Andra Day? Her performance is more than worth the time. She truly captured Billie Holiday!!!

[@adrianeaskew1451]

I love this! Way before my time in life but i love her 🎶 jazz voice ♥

[@XX-gy7ue]

she was so smart ( which makes sense , that's why she's still on top , although gone on over 60 years )

[@amberanderson4909]

Such clear quality! Sounds like it was just recorded

[@Hendrixtanell13]

Salute to this beautiful woman 🖤❤️✊🏿🙏

[@bernadetteguinn6362]

andra day nailed the role of billy holiday and brought this lady back to life. amazing!

[@fosbury68]

Her speaking voice is musical - which shouldn't have been a surprise. Love the way she says "stahm" for storm. That's old NYC.

[@RUNNOFT71]

I love her laugh. I love everything about her.

[@janelleclark1235]

I’m here thanks to the United States vs Billie Holiday🔥🔥🔥