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Last broadcast on Tue, 14 Jul 2009, 22:30 on BBC Radio 2.
Synopsis
Hollywood legend, Billy Crystal, of When Harry Met Sally/ City Slickers fame, celebrates the enduring influence of Billie Holiday. Billy grew up around Ms Holiday. His family owned and operated the legendary Commodore Records label, home to many of Billie's greatest songs.
It is the 50th anniversary of her untimely passing and as one of the most revered vocalists of the century, her legend needs little explaining. She left a transcendent legacy of recorded work, such as timeless classics Summertime, Lady Sings The Blues, That Old Devil Called Love and the controversial Strange Fruit, but more than that, through her struggles in a white and male dominated industry at the time, laid the foundations for the liberated musical world we have today. A true icon and exemplary performer.
Billie Holiday, NYC, NY, 1949
© Herman Leonard Photography, LLC
Billie with Mister, NYC, NY 1949
© Herman Leonard Photography, LLC
Billy Crystal on Billie Holiday
Sir Michael Parkinson on Billie Holiday
Jazz Photographer Herman Leonard on Billie Holiday
Yolande Bavan on Billie Holiday
Annie Ross on Billie Holiday
Broadcast
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Tue 14 Jul 200922:30
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