Billie Holiday's 'Strange Fruit' Endures as a Powerful Protest Song

Sixty-five years after her death, Holiday's haunting rendition remains a testament to racial injustice and solidarity.

Billie Holiday's 1939 recording of 'Strange Fruit' is celebrated as one of the most influential songs of the 20th century.
The song, written by Abel Meeropol, confronts the brutal reality of lynching in the American South.
Holiday's performance of the song continues to resonate, highlighting ongoing struggles against racial violence.
'Strange Fruit' reflects broader themes of suffering and solidarity, drawing connections between Black and Jewish experiences of persecution.
Holiday's personal history and her commitment to social justice add depth to the song's enduring impact.