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Strange Fruit : Throughline Billie Holiday helped shape American popular music with her voice and unique style. But, one song in particular has become her greatest legacy — "Strange Fruit." The song paints an unflinching picture of racial violence, and it was an unexpected hit. But singing it brought serious consequences.

Throughline

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

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  • Portrait of Billie Holiday singing at the Downbeat club in New York City in February 1947.
    Portrait of Billie Holiday singing at the Downbeat club in New York City in February 1947.
    Library of Congress
  • Harry J. Anslinger, commissioner of the Treasury Department's Federal Bureau of Narcotics, poses for a photo on September 24, 1930.
    Harry J. Anslinger, commissioner of the Treasury Department's Federal Bureau of Narcotics, poses for a photo on September 24, 1930.
    AP
  • Portrait of Billie Holiday with her pet dog, Mister, at the club Downbeat in New York City.
    Portrait of Billie Holiday with her pet dog, Mister, at the club Downbeat in New York City.
    Library of Congress
  • President John F. Kennedy shakes hands with former Commissioner of Narcotics, Harry J. Anslinger, upon presenting him with an outstanding record citation.
    President John F. Kennedy shakes hands with former Commissioner of Narcotics, Harry J. Anslinger, upon presenting him with an outstanding record citation.
    Abbie Rowe/John F. Kennedy Presidential Library

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Billie Holiday helped shape American popular music with her voice and unique style. But, one song in particular has become her greatest legacy — "Strange Fruit." The song paints an unflinching picture of racial violence, and it was an unexpected hit. But singing it brought serious consequences.

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