About This Lesson
Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with this video lesson from educator Sari Beth Rosenberg on American jazz and swing music singer and human rights hero, Billie Holiday.
This lesson explores the powerful life and legacy of Billie Holiday, one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. Students will learn how Holiday rose from a challenging childhood to become a groundbreaking performer, using her platform to confront racism and injustice—most notably through her haunting protest song “Strange Fruit.” The lesson highlights her early rise in Harlem nightclubs, her historic tour with Artie Shaw, and her resilience in the face of segregation and personal struggles. Students will analyze her music, public impact, and enduring voice in the fight for civil rights.
