Records That Changed the World - Billie Holiday

The current issue of "MOJO" carries an article entitled "100 Records That Changed The World" whilst no one will entirely agree with the choice of songs I doubt that many will even agree that songs can change the world.

However as the introduction to the article explains the intention was to sujectively identify songs, 45's 78's or albums which have made us see the worldy differently perhaps by awakening social or political opinions, understanding other cultures, feelings any generally stirring those human emotions we collate as soul.

Essentially they have chosen the most influential and inspirational recordings ever made and like all such lists and Top Whatever eveyone will have their own views particularily where music is concerned and it is that variety which will forever keep old and new music alike exciting and vibrant.

Over the next few days I will bring you my picks from their Top 100.

There will be many people who do not like my first choice of song as it is vertainly not a song in any comfort zone, however, few would be able to argue against it's inclusion in a list of influential and inspirational recordings.

At No67 in the list is "Strange Fruit" (1939) as sung by Billie Holiday, the album sleeve above is a marketing man's rose tinted image of a tortured soul and as the artist "Joan The Policewoman" notes this anti-lynching anthem broke devasting new ground for popular music.

Many people hooked by the melody are are often not immediately aware of the lyrical meaning, the vocal performance reflects the life of Billie, no acting is required nor is there any need for vocal dramatics the song is delivered from experience.

Billie Holiday had to fight hard to to record the song and as such she reflects through song her life, the way you are every day is the way you are as an artist when it is one and the same more often than not the result is influential and inspirational.

Watch the video below:-