"Strange Fruit" by Nina Simone off of her 1965 Blues project "Pastel Blues. The song was originally a poem written by Abel Meeropol in 1937 about the hanging of black people. This song particularly showcases Nina's amazing voice. Give it a listen, as well as the song "Sinnerman" off of the same album.
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As you well know, the original singer of this song was the lovely and incomparable Billie Holiday. Her version of this song will kiss your soul while it shatters it. But I'm in a sad mood at the moment and Nina's stretched out syllables and honest voice are what I need. Nina, of all iconic black singers, removed herself the most from the shackles of the ideal beauty. She was perfectly herself and in love with it. Proud to say she thought her skin was perfect, her hair was perfect, and her mind was perfect. And it was because she dared to believe it. She is not a black icon but one for all humanity. I love you, Nina.
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