Stranger Fruit

Make no mistake Billie Holiday is a legend. This song however was written by Abel Metropol, a poet, political activist, and high school teacher. Abel was inspired by a photograph he saw of a lynching. That photograph haunted him.

The poem was published in a book in 1937 under the title, "Bitter Fruit". This song was recorded and released in 1939. Ms. Holiday here is singing the song under some serious threats and pressure not to.

Lynchings had reached a peak in American history in the 20's but still persevered even into the 1960's. This was a time where a black American could be killed for nothing. No trial was necessary, just ignorance and fear. We live in a time where black Americans are still dying. They just aren't in the trees anymore.