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

Published

7 years ago

September 15, 2017

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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.

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We Speak Entertainment

Sion Lee: The Multifaceted Artist Redefining the Entertainment Industry

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2025

Public Relations Agency LLC

In the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, one name stands out for her incredible range, versatility, and dedication to her craft: Sion Lee. This talented singer, musical actress, and songwriter has been making waves in the global arts scene, captivating audiences with her powerful performances, hauntingly beautiful voice, and inspiring story.

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Sion Lee’s journey to stardom began with a passion for music and the performing arts. Growing up in South Korea, she was exposed to the rich cultural heritage of her country, which instilled in her a deep love for music, dance, and drama. Her early training in classical vocal music laid the foundation for her future success, and she quickly began to make a name for herself in the competitive world of musical theatre.

Breaking Boundaries and Defying Expectations

Sion Lee’s career has been marked by a series of bold moves and daring choices. From her early days as a musical actress in South Korea to her decision to pursue a career in London, she has consistently pushed beyond her comfort zone, embracing new challenges and opportunities with courage and determination. Her performances in critically acclaimed productions such as and have earned her widespread recognition and acclaim, cementing her position as a rising star in the global arts scene.

A Voice that Transcends Borders and Boundaries

Sion Lee’s voice is a true marvel, capable of conveying the full range of human emotions with breathtaking precision and power. Whether she is performing on stage, in the recording studio, or in front of the camera, her voice is always the focal point, drawing the listener in and refusing to let go. With her unique blend of classical training and contemporary sensibilities, she is able to transcend borders and boundaries, speaking directly to the hearts of audiences around the world.

A Songwriter and Musician of Unparalleled Talent

In addition to her work as a performer, Sion Lee is also a gifted songwriter and musician. Her music is a deeply personal reflection of her experiences, hopes, and dreams, and is characterized by its haunting beauty, emotional depth, and soaring melodies.

A True Artist and Entrepreneur

Sion Lee is a true artist and entrepreneur, with a vision and passion that extends far beyond her own career. She is committed to using her platform to inspire and uplift others, and to creating music and art that reflects the beauty, diversity, and complexity of the world around us. With her incredible talent, dedication, and perseverance, she is poised to become a major force in the entertainment industry, and to leave a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come.

The Future of Entertainment: Sion Lee’s Vision

As Sion Lee looks to the future, she is excited to explore new creative possibilities and to push the boundaries of what is possible in the entertainment industry. With her unique blend of talent, passion, and dedication, she is poised to become a true leader and innovator in the years to come. Whether she is performing on stage, in the recording studio, or in front of the camera, Sion Lee is always true to herself and her art, and is committed to creating music and art that inspires, uplifts, and transforms.

Social Media:

Instagram: @luven_ing