TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Lady Sings the Blues is one of Billie Holiday’s signature recordings, and it’s a masterclass in vocal jazz. From the opening note, Holiday’s phrasing is unmistakable—stretching and bending each phrase to convey emotion beyond words.
She often sings behind the beat, giving her performance a tension and longing that pulls listeners in. The melody moves with subtle twists, highlighting blues-inflected tones, while the sparse accompaniment leaves room for her voice to tell the story.
She emphasizes certain words with microtonal shifts, creating a conversational, intimate feel. Every note carries nuance, making the listener feel the depth of sorrow, resilience, and hope.
Holiday’s artistry in this song helped redefine what jazz singing could be: storytelling, emotion, and personal expression, all woven seamlessly into the fabric of the blues.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and South Carolina Public Radio, made possible by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.