Lady Sings the Blues (1972) is an American biographical musical drama film about jazz singer Billie Holiday, loosely based on her 1956 autobiography which, in turn, took its title from Holiday’s song. It was directed by Sidney J. Furie (The Ipcress File) and produced by Motown Productions for Paramount Pictures. Diana Ross, in her feature film debut, portrayed Holiday, alongside a cast including Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, James T. Callahan, and Scatman Crothers. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1973, including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Diana Ross.
Director:Â Sidney J. Furie (The Ipcress File, The Boys in the Band)
Writer:Â William Bickley and Don Kirshner (The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno)
Release Date:Â October 12, 1972
Domestic Box Office:Â $44.2 million
Top 5 Cast:
- Diana Ross as Billie Holiday
- Billy Dee Williams as Louis McKay
- Richard Pryor as Piano Man
- James T. Callahan as Harry Belafonte
- Scatman Crothers as “Manager”
“The world’s a rough place, and I’m just a fragile little woman.” – Billie Holiday
Critical reviews:
- Roger Ebert:Â “A powerful and moving film, beautifully acted by Diana Ross.” – 4 out of 4 stars
- Gene Siskel:Â “A triumph for Diana Ross, who gives a bravura performance as Billie Holiday.” – 3.5 out of 4 stars
- The New York Times:Â “A stirring and often heartbreaking film, beautifully acted by Diana Ross.” – 4 out of 4 stars
- Variety:Â “A major film event, thanks to the magnetic performance of Diana Ross.” – 4 out of 4 stars
- The Washington Post:Â “A powerful and moving film, beautifully acted by Diana Ross.” – 3.5 out of 4 stars
Cinematic Importance: Lady Sings the Blues (1972) was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Diana Ross’s successful film career. The film was also praised for its realistic portrayal of Billie Holiday’s life and career. Lady Sings the Blues is considered to be one of the most important films about jazz music, and it has been cited as an influence by many other filmmakers.