Lady Sings the Blues

(Sidney J. Furie, US 1972, 144 min., 35mm)

This 1972 biographical drama film, produced by Motown Productions, is loosely based on jazz singer Billie Holiday’s 1956 autobiography. It stars Diana Ross in her feature film debut, for which she was nominated for an Oscar, as well as Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, and Scatman Crothers. Its screening is paired with Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown on Friday and Saturday, May 26 & 27. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik leads this program of his original but authentic arrangements of Motown hits featuring dynamic vocalists.