LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A movie that gives a small view into the life and struggles of Jazz/Blues singer Billie Holiday is turning 50 and you can see it on the big screen.
"Lady Sings the Blues" is marking its 50th anniversary and to help honor this milestone, Turner Classics is offering special screenings across the country at Regal Cinemas theaters.
The movie stars include Diana Ross as Billie Holiday, the late Billy Dee Williams and the late comedian Richard Pryor. It chronicles Holiday's struggles with addiction, which led to her being incarcerated.
"Lady Sings the Blues" is one of the most recognizable and renowned Black films of the 20th century, Ebony Magazine says.
Some Regals are showing the special screening on Sunday, February 20 and Wednesday, February 23. According to Fathom Events, the showings will include exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies.
Those who wish to purchase tickets online can visit Fathom Events and check theater box offices near you.
- In Kentucky check here.
- In Southern Indiana check here.
Holiday had her first hit at age 18, according to biography.com. Two of her biggest known hits are "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit." "Strange Fruit," is a story about the lynching of African Americans in the South and came from a poem that was written by Jewish schoolteacher Abel Meeropol. According to NPR, he wrote it under the pseudonym, Lewis Allen. The poem was in response to lynchings in southern states after Meeropol saw a photo of a lynching in Indiana.
The most recent movie about Holiday is 'The United States vs Billie Holiday and released in 2021. You can see it on Hulu.
The movie follows a number of classics that have returned to the big screen to celebrate marque anniversaries.
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