We Speak Entertainment

LEGACY OF BILLIE HOLIDAY’S ‘STRANGE FRUIT’ ENDURES WITH IMPASSIONED COVER BY ANDRA DAY

Published

8 years ago

September 15, 2017

umeektv

Getty Images

LEGACY OF BILLIE HOLIDAY’S ‘STRANGE FRUIT’ ENDURES WITH IMPASSIONED COVER BY ANDRA DAY IN SUPPORT OF THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

Two-time Grammy nominee Andra Day covers iconic song to join Google in support of the Equal Justice Initiative’s “Lynching in America” initiative.

NEW YORK, September 15, 2017 – Andra Day, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, released today a recording and music video for Strange Fruit, the historic song originally recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939. The recording is available on the Lynching in America site (lynchinginamerica.eji.org/strange-fruit) and Andra Day’s YouTube channel. Andra will also be performing Strange Fruit as part of her set at the Global Citizens Festival in NYC on September 23rd.

The goal of Lynching in America, which brings EJI’s multi-year investigation into more than 4,000 reported racial terror lynchings that took place in the United States during the period between Reconstruction and World War II to life, is to spark a national conversation about the connection between America’s painful history of racial violence and the forms of injustice that exist today, including racially-biased capital punishment, excessive sentencing, disproportionate sentencing of racial minorities, and police abuse of people of color.

As part of Google’s focus on Inclusion, the company has given more than $2MM in grants to the Equal Justice Initiative. In addition, Google volunteers have been working with the organization to digitize the Lynching in America research and ensure that as many people as possible have access to the information and content. The Equal Justice Initiative firmly believes that until we face the truth of our past, we cannot heal the deep wounds of our present.

Bryan Stevenson, the Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative says, “In this collaboration between Andra Day, EJI, and Google, we use music to express a painful and difficult truth about our nation’s history of racial inequality. Inspired music has the power to expose and confront injustice differently than research, data and words alone. It can heal and uplift us, it’s critical for human rights. Justice work needs a soundtrack that inspires the struggle, it’s energizing that talented artists like Andra rise to the challenge.”

Andra Day says, “Billie Holiday is one of the greatest inspirations for what I do now. She used her music as her platform and her voice to speak for people who were not able to speak for themselves. I am equally inspired by the work of Bryan Stevenson and EJI and I hope this song ignites new conversations about the connection between our past and present.” In the same spirit of music as activism, Andra also performed Stand Up For Something, the title track off of the upcoming film, Marshall, about Thurgood Marshall, the first African American United States Supreme Court Justice.

We loved this cover of Strange Fruit, what do you think?

Up Next

[VIDEO] Musiq Soulchild Talks New Album + The Love of His Fans

Don't Miss

[#insecurehbo] Dro Should Leave His Wife for Molly, the Side-Chick

umeektv

Click to comment

We Speak Entertainment

Javier Rodríguez: The Maestro Behind Bollywood’s Next Big Soundtrack

Published

4 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Public Relations Agency LLC

In a move that’s set to shake up the Indian music scene, acclaimed Spanish composer Javier Rodríguez has teamed up with Bollywood’s finest to create the soundtrack for the upcoming epic film, “Rajmohan, the Last Warrior”. This historical action drama promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, with Rodríguez’s sweeping score blending traditional Indian sounds with European classical influences.

A Musical Bridge Between Cultures

Rodríguez’s collaboration with Bollywood’s top talent marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. With a background in classical music and a passion for innovation, Rodríguez is the perfect candidate to bring a fresh perspective to the Indian music scene. His music is a testament to his ability to bridge cultural divides, blending seemingly disparate influences into a unique sound.

The Making of a Masterpiece

The soundtrack for “Rajmohan, the Last Warrior” is currently in production, with Rodríguez working closely with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal. The score promises to be a game-changer for Bollywood, with Rodríguez’s innovative approach pushing the boundaries of traditional Indian music.

A Global Visionary with a Passion for Storytelling

Javier Rodríguez is a composer with a global vision, driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to connect with audiences worldwide. His music is a reflection of his curiosity and creativity, blending different cultural influences into a unique sound that transcends borders.

What’s Next for Rodríguez?

With “Rajmohan, the Last Warrior” slated for a grand 2025 release, Rodríguez is set to take the Indian music scene by storm. His collaboration with Bollywood’s top talent marks a new chapter in his career, one that promises to be filled with innovative music, exciting collaborations, and a continued passion for storytelling.

Experience the Magic of Javier Rodríguez’s Music

Stay tuned for more updates on “Rajmohan, the Last Warrior” and experience the magic of Javier Rodríguez’s music for yourself. With his innovative approach, passion for storytelling, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional Indian music, Rodríguez is set to leave an indelible mark on the Indian music scene.