Lady Sings the Blues(1972)
“Diana Ross is Billie Holiday. Diana Ross sings Billie Holiday. And a superstar is born.”
Overview
Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay, her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.
Director
Sidney J. Furie
Studio
Weston Productions
Budget
$2M
Revenue
$20M
Cast
Diana Ross
as Billie Holiday
Billy Dee Williams
as Louis McKay
Richard Pryor
as Piano Man
James T. Callahan
as Reg Hanley
Paul Hampton
as Harry
Sid Melton
as Jerry
Virginia Capers
as Mama Holiday
Yvonne Fair
as Yvonne
Isabel Sanford
as The Madame
Tracee Lyles
as The Prostitute
Ned Glass
as The Agent
Milton Selzer
as The Doctor
Where to Watch
This movie is not yet available on streaming platforms. It may still be in theaters or awaiting a digital release.
Movie Facts
Release Year
1972
Runtime
2h 24m
Language
English
Rating
6.9 / 10
Budget
$2M
Box Office
$20M
Production Companies
Weston Productions • Jobete Productions • Motown Productions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Lady Sings the Blues?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for Lady Sings the Blues (1972).
What is Lady Sings the Blues about?▼
Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay, her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.
Who directed Lady Sings the Blues?▼
Lady Sings the Blues was directed by Sidney J. Furie and released in 1972. It is a drama, music film.
How long is Lady Sings the Blues?▼
Lady Sings the Blues has a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes (144 minutes total).
Who stars in Lady Sings the Blues?▼
The cast of Lady Sings the Blues includes Diana Ross as Billie Holiday, Billy Dee Williams as Louis McKay, Richard Pryor as Piano Man, James T. Callahan as Reg Hanley, Paul Hampton as Harry and more.
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