Lady Sings the Blues (1972)

Synopsis

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.

Watch the trailer

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

If you liked Lady Sings the Blues, try

• Once Upon a Time in America
• Platoon
• Almost Famous
• Rocketman
• Rosemary's Baby
• Sliver
• The Color Purple
• Cruel Intentions