A
In the early twentieth century, racism was widespread in America. Black artists could only perform in clubs to all - white audiences. One of those black artists decided to take a stand against injustice. Billie Holiday, known as Lady Day, recorded Strange Fruit in 1939. This song is a protest against racial hatred in the USA and by recording such a 9ong at that time, Billie risked her career. In fact, it had just the opposite effect.
Eleanora Fagan was born in 1915, the daughter of a 13 - year - old mother and the grandchild of a black slave from Virginia. She fell in love with jazz when she heard the music of Louis Armstrong while cleaning floors for a living as a young girl.
She made her professional singing debut in little known New York nightclubs where she was vocalist in a band. It was at this time that she adopted the stage name Billie Holiday after her movie star idol Billie Dove. She went on to perform alongside some of America’s top musicians before embarking on a solo career.
Billie Holiday became a legend in her short lifetime-she died in 1959, aged only 44. Her unique voice made her the outstanding jazz singer of her day. She had an unforgettable voice, full of depth and sadness, which was nourished (滋养) by a lifetime of hardship and a background of racism. No singer has ever conveyed despair with such force. She sang with so much emotion that she was able to convey her feelings to her audience.
21. How did Billie Holiday risk her career?
A. She recorded a protest song against racial hatred.
B. She refused to sing to all - white audiences.
C. She sang in clubs to all - white audiences.
D. She named herself Lady Day.
22. Who inspired her to become a singer?
A. Her grandfather. B. Her mother.
C. Louis Armstrong. D. Billie Dove.
23. What special quality did Billie Holiday have?
A. She had a very deep voice. B. She was able to express and convey her emotions.
C. She only sang sad 9ongs. D. She had a background of racism.
