| Author | Message | ||
  GO_GET_GONE_GIRL (gogogirl) 5-Doyen Username: gogogirl Post Number: 265 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 69.1.9.65 |
All, Not sure if I've posted the link - but what about the question? Long article indeed. And what about the Soundtrack? Was the Soundtrack a Masterpiece - and as it pertains to Billie Holiday's body of work - brought forth by Berry Gordy. Berry IMO - really brought Billie Holiday's music to the forefront of our conciousenss. No songs touch me as deeply as "God Bless The Child" & "Strange Fruit" - other than "A Change Is Gonna Come" - and a few others. LOL! http://www.findarticles.com/p/ articles/mi_m0412/is_2_30/ai_9 0301344/pg_1 (Message edited by gogogirl on August 12, 2004) (Message edited by gogogirl on August 12, 2004) | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 3-Pundit Username: soulseeker Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 192.94.3.10 |
Diana did a fine job acting in that movie. And yes it brought and continues to bring Billie Holliday to the forefront. As for the songs, I prefer to hear Billie's voice singing them especially Strange Fruit. | ||
isaiah imani (isaiah) 1-Arriviste Username: isaiah Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.139 |
Whew, GoGoGirl, you still fierce with your stuff!(smile!) This is an interesting topic, no doubt... Some years ago when I read that Berry had actually directed this film, it convinced me that the man was far more than a great businessmen, but a real all-round renaissance man whose genius allowed him to cut straight through to the core of any task he took on... Damn right the soundtrack is excellent, and so was the film, and the performances by Diana, Billy Dee, and Oscar-nominee, Richard Pryor, another genius in his art... GoGoGirl, I generally hate the droll, boring, go-along-to-git-along assessments, with no type of "other" kind of insight, but this film and soundtrack were outstanding, and other than Berry's performance as a director, I must go along and give it a thumbs-up... Tell me something, GoGoGirl, what prompted you to bring this topic up? Have you watched the movie lately??? On another tip, I was listening to It's So Hard To Say GoodBye(To Yesterday), and it made me think of the film Cooley High... As Juice would say, a Chicago film with nothing but Motown music(smile!) Peace! IsAiAH | ||
GO_GET_GONE_GIRL (gogogirl) 5-Doyen Username: gogogirl Post Number: 267 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 69.1.9.65 |
All, Isaiah - I thought about this film in the context of Diana's work - yet - I was intriuged by this article that I had saved to my favorites. I read it again an hour ago. LOL! Anyway - the writer of that article sure found it something and meaningful - didn't he? LOL! I love the concept - although I am aware that some cringed and had problems w/the original screenplay for the film - and thereby noting the inaccuracies of the material within. For the African American community - do doubt - it was historical - because it was a "First" in so many areas - indeed. And that is not to take away from anyone elses' appreciation of it. Berry Gordy did great for his first film - even though he was crucified by many because the film didn't accurately depict the Autobiography of Ms. Billie Holiday. And may she rest in peace. "SOMEDAY HE'LL COME ALONG" (Message edited by gogogirl on August 12, 2004) | ||
isaiah imani (isaiah) 2-Debutant Username: isaiah Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.139 |
GoGo, that's alright about critics... As Reese told me today, they're entitled to their opinions... Seems we went through the same thing with the Tempts film, too, but none of us contributed a dime to the making of either of those endeavors, (so I was told about another film project at this board), so they aint got nothing to say worth hearing(smile!) Personally, I loved the film, as some loved other films, like X, where a lot of creative license was used and abused... I liked it for the art it represented, because, truthfully, how close can one truly come to recreating a life such as Billie Holiday's without excerising some creative license... She was raped when she was thirteen, should we recreate that, or leave it out??? Leaving it out is actually taking creative license, because it was an actual event in her life... There has to be some sanitization somewhere, and some embellishing and exaggerations elsewhere... what'cha gonna do, make the film, or sit around paralyzed by the critics??? Peace! Isaiah | ||
Dinelle (dinelle_watson) 5-Doyen Username: dinelle_watson Post Number: 223 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 65.6.69.200 |
From the way that you guys describe it, this sounds like a must-see movie. The only movies I've see with Diana Ross in them were "The Wiz" and "Mahoghony". And maybe "Double Platinum". I don't remember. | ||
Uptight (uptight) 4-Laureate Username: uptight Post Number: 114 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 69.161.239.218 |
Dinelle, LSTB is the first movie you MUST see ASAP... (I prefer the commercially available VHS over the censored TV version.) Isaiah, you are right. Because a movie must be a MOVIE and not an historically accurate, day-to-day account of events, I appreciate any creative license Gordy's team took with Lady Day's story on film. He was a fan of hers and even met her back in the day. If Gordy hadn't produced it, someone less qualified would have. Who knows who would have botched up the project if Motown hadn't produced it first? LSTB was directed by Sydney J. Furie. While Gordy only directed Ross and Billy Dee in a few scenes, this experience under his belt did prepare him to take over directing "Mahogany" when its original director quit mid-production. Apparently a lot of research went into LSTB, as with any decent period piece. And while you can't always depict a time period perfectly, you can combine certain elements in a scene to get the point across--elements in the form of props, dialogue, style of music and clothing that all "suggest" 1930 or 1940 or whatever. This movie did a clever job in this respect. There are even references to certain situations you might not "get" until later. Sure, I know Billie Holiday died only about a decade or so earlier (1959) when they started the principal photography in 1971. And that period was still only recent history. But now, some 30+ years later, I would consider this movie a classic. It represents an American legend as tastefully as any Hollywood portrayal of an American legend. Gordy was smart enough to get the best jazz musicians for the soundtrack, utilizing musicians from the period, some of whom even played with Billie Holiday. The album introduced Holiday's repertoir of songs to younger listeners who wouldn't have otherwise heard of her. Having left the Supremes to settle down and start her family, Ross was rested and ready to tackle the film role. Again, no movie should try to be perfectly historically accurate. It is about creating a work of art. Diana was the first to admit she didn't look like Billie Holiday or sound like her. Yeah, critics schmitics! The time was so ripe for Gordy and Ross to do this film. It was a huge gamble, and they won big time. | ||
isaiah imani (isaiah) 2-Debutant Username: isaiah Post Number: 15 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.139 |
Uptight, e'rythings alright with this post! Right on point with your insights - as well as the correction on Berry's participation in directing the project(smile!) You pointed out something very, very important too, which is that Berry, whose first love was Jazz, was a fan of Billie's, ... You don't think about something like that unless someone with a keener insight points it out, so thanks for that... I am certain that Berry's love for the genre and it's legends was a factor, because from that the film became a labor of love, and it shows... Peace! Zeke | ||
Milli Vanilli (millie) 3-Pundit Username: millie Post Number: 44 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 68.62.7.219 |
When "Lady..." came out in 1972, I was working for Motown in Detroit, and remember how excited everyone was about seeing the movie. I absolutely loved it, and thought Diana's performance was superb. Not knowing that much about the real Billie Holiday at that time, to me Diana was Billie. I still listen to the soundtrack, and marvel at the emotion and depth of Diana's voice. It must have been hard for her to try and capture Billie Holiday's emotion but IMO she did just fine. | ||
dvdmike (dvdmike) 5-Doyen Username: dvdmike Post Number: 262 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.165.198.19 |
I saw the film at the United Artists theater in Chicago and I can still remember the oohs and aahs and um-um-ums from the women whenever Billy Dee Williams appeared on the screen. I kind of got a kick out of it. When are they going to release it on DVD? | ||
bigdaddyg2k4 (bigdaddyg2k4) 3-Pundit Username: bigdaddyg2k4 Post Number: 61 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 63.102.169.181 |
I have seen the movie dozens of times (both on HBO-the original, and the "chopped & screwed"-a.k.a.: EDITED versions on TBS or TNT) and due to the movie's star power and historical significance (both in the story itself and the year the movie was made-1972), it is a essential "must-see" for fans of Billie Holliday. Berry Gordy took a big risk-both monetary and reputation wise-in producing (I forgot, did he also direct it?) the film and putting his top Motown star (whom at the time was married/expecting child-but Berry still had feelings for), but his gamble paid off with equal praise from fans and some critics, capped off with Oscar nominations to boot for "Lady" and I'm glad he did take a risk. But IMHO, he did push his luck a little too much with the much-hyped "Mahogany"-which was a flop at the box office, and "The Wiz", which was an even bigger hyped-up movie that failed miserably in movie theatres-despite an all-star cast that featured-once again-Diana Ross and Motown refugee Michael Jackson. And let's not even mention "The Last Dragon"! My sis loves that movie 2 death (all because of pretty boy Taimak), but really silly to watch-at least Vanity is in it in all her glamed-out glory sort to speak. In a nutshell, "Lady Sings The Blues" is a great triumph in black cinema, bar none. | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 1263 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.74 |
Hey all! Go Go, what's up girlfriend, hope your having a great saturday! Since Billie & Jimmy were family by marriage, as well as long time friends they spent alot of time together. Billie & Louis stayed with Jimmy & his second wife Channie whenever they were in town and visa-versa. These are Jimmy's feelings on the film as a result of his closeness to Billie. He felt Diane Ross was not the right person to portray Billie, but because of her relationship with Berry he looked no further. Personaly, me S.S., feels Diana did a very good job with the script she was given and was deserving of an Academy Award for her performance. Now having said that I'll get back to Jimmy's thoughts on it. He felt the movie leaned too much on the dope and negative aspects of her life without balance to show the full true woman. Jimmy said Billie was a good woman with a good heart and did many good things in her life thats never talked about or shown in the movie. He felt it was a good movie but one-sided only showing the negative aspects. He said Billie got strung out because that was the circle she traveled in, hung with. There were many on heroin at that time on the music scene not Billie alone, I could name a long list. Of course, we all know her sad background led to her escaping thru the drug to deal with life's circumstances. Jimmy simply feels it's sad no one ever knew what a good woman Billie really was instead of always focusing on her habit. R.I.P. Billie, you were one of a kind, brilliant. S.S. | ||
GO_GET_GONE_GIRL (gogogirl) 5-Doyen Username: gogogirl Post Number: 274 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 69.1.9.65 |
Greetings All, Hey SS. I am fine girlfriend. I've been busy as a snail trying to cross the street. LOL! Ditto on what you stated SS - and that is what I'm always talkin' 'bout. Surely we know we all have our negative and positive traits. I too wish they would have shown Ms. Holliday in a more positive light - for I hate to dwell in any negative light - and that goes for every aspect of my life. One thing I hope was true was how they portrayed her as being a loving person. It appeared Ms. Holliday loved all the folks she interacted with in the story and that were in her life circle - and to a certain extent. She was so touched by the lynching she saw until she had to sing about that "Strange Fruit." I know Diana could never sing as good as Ms. Holiday could sing her own parts, nor could Diana get all of her nuances down. Diana did what she was directed to do - thru in a little of her on "Raz-A-Ma-Taz" and did the best she could. Please tell Mr. Scott that many of us do get it. Ms. Holliday had a great heart - could sing a ring around most male and female singers back in her "Lady Day" days - and she loved. Now Berry did love Diana. I read up on that in an article again recently - where Berry admitted that he loved her. He said he didn't marry her - because he didn't want to hold her back - and yadda. Most likely in his mind and where he was at back then - convinced him to star Diana in the role. The film might not have been made w/o Mr. Gordy's desire, drive and determination. We could never tell anyone else whom to love. Who loves who is out of our hands - for fate will always cast its hand in deciding who we love. I've always wondered why some hated Diana because she and Berry got together. (And I don't mean you SS - my amigo) He was a man. She was a woman. And the rest is history - with all kinds of paragraphs - chapters and books in between. dvdmike - I read up on the Motown Boards about the DVD coming out. Check it out. You might have to do a search for subject title thread - but here is a start. http://boards.motown.com/summa ry.asp?forum=AMB%5FAP887936221 (Message edited by gogogirl on August 14, 2004) | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 1267 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.74 |
Hi GoGo V.; I agree with all you said my spiritual sister! As far as people hating Diana, you are correct I'm not one of them, neither is Jimmy. I believe in "to each his own" and thats their business alone. Diana has done many great things in her own right. If there is anything that I wouldn't like about her is if the rumors are true in the cold way she treated Flo & Mary. Other than that... more power to her!! She's accomplished alot in more ways than just her stardom, she's also crashed some doors down for black performers in places like the Copa, etc... Girlfriend always good to hear from you and your adventures in Bama!!  S.S. J. | ||
GO_GET_GONE_GIRL (gogogirl) 5-Doyen Username: gogogirl Post Number: 276 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 69.1.9.65 |
All, Hey SS - thanks so much for that. And especially the last part. I appreciate it. And I enjoy hearing about you and Mr. Scott's exploits too. LOL! Y'all got it going on better than I do - here in BamaLand. LOL! I'll tell you though. I couldn't have moved to a better neighborhood. The location - cleanliness and some 'moe stuff - are right on time. I live less than five minutes from Eastern Blvd. (main road near my house) and within a couple of miles of anything I could need or want. I met a young lady that works at O'Charleys - a wonderful restaurant - and she is from Detroit. She is in school here at Troy State. It turns out that she lives with her sister on my street - albeit on the other side of the street. The people here are wonderful - and everyone is very helpful and friendly. Too much! It's a long story but I think the reason my daughter didn't want to go to a magnet school is because at the school she attends - there are many many boys. LOL! Her harmones are kicking in. This is the first nearly all black school she has even attended. Many boys! She is in mixed chorus, and I had to buy her a pearl necklace today as part of her choir uniform. What!? LOL! Anyway and needless to say - I am blessed and still have and crave peace of mind. God gets all the praise - and my parents get the credit. My father put up the glass doors on the china cabinet the other day. LOL! He is the type that loves to help and feel important. I sure couldn't have gotten them up. LOL! Have a good one. Excellent review about Diana's 2004 tour overseas. http://boards.motown.com/viewt hread.asp?forum=AMB_AP88793622 1&id=422 (Message edited by gogogirl on August 14, 2004) | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 1289 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.74 |
LHM GoGo, that is too funny! S.S. | ||
Jim G (jim_g) 2-Debutant Username: jim_g Post Number: 22 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 149.174.164.84 |
SoulSister, thank you very much for posting Jimmy's comments about "LSTB". The film is indeed negative/one sided (history was repeated with Eastwood's "Bird"). I think Jimmy's comments ref. Diana playing the part are spot-on. I do think Diana did a good acting job, but historically accurate LSTB ain't. On the positive side, maybe a few people will become curious about Billie and listen to her music. PS - exactly how are Billie & Jimmy related? | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 1292 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.74 |
Hi Jim; Your welcome. Jimmy also agrees with your assessment of Bird's portrayal as well. Jimmy's second wife Channie & Louis McKay were cousins, Billie would tease Jimmy asking him "how he got in her family". He officiated as family at her funeral in '59, though Jimmy knew Billie since 1945, when she would go to Harlem's Baby Grand night after night to hear him sing. She often referred to him as her favorite singer. Here's Jimmy at the gravesite:  |
