Renaissance of a Cultural Legend
How ‘Watchmen’ and Springsteen helped bring Holiday back
The United States vs. Billie Holiday may bring the late singer back into the 21st-century public eye, but it’s part of a larger revival over the past few years. In light of Black Lives Matter and Congress’ recent failed attempt to pass the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act (which would make lynching a federal crime), “Strange Fruit” has made a comeback: The song has recently been sampled by rapper Rapsody, covered by R&B veteran Bettye LaVette, and praised anew by Bruce Springsteen. “Un
fortunately, ‘Strange Fruit’ is still relevant, and people are beginning to understand that it was our very first protest song,” says Andra Day, who covered it herself in 2017. “She was a true civil rights hero.”
Meanwhile, Holiday’s vintage recording “You’re My Thrill” was featured in an episode of HBO’s Watchmen, and she was the subject of a recent documentary ( Billie) and an indie-rock tribute album (M. Ward’s Think of Spring).
Holiday’s 1958 Lady in Satin
ranked Number 317 last year on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums list. “Her story is similar to Robert Johnson’s,” says Ward. “The talent and emotion are the hooks that draw you in, and once you get into the mystery of their lives, you’re in it for the long haul.”