Diana Ross LADY SINGS THE BLUES

Personnel includes: Diana Ross (vocals); John Collins (guitar, banjo); Plas Johnson, Marshall Royal, Ernie Watts (saxophone); Harry "Sweets" Edison, Albert Aamons (trumpet); George Bohanon (trombone); Gerald Wiggins (piano); Red Callender (bass); Earl Palmer (drums).
Personnel: Diana Ross (vocals); John Collins (guitar, banjo); Gill Ashey, Michel Legrand, Oliver Nelson (strings); Caughey Roberts (clarinet, soprano saxophone); Ernie Watts, Georgie Auld, Laughey Roberts, Jack Nimitz, Marshall Royal, Plas Johnson , Buddy Collette (saxophone); Harry "Sweets" Edison , Teddy Buckner, William Cat Anderson, Al Aarons, Bobby Bryant (trumpet); George Bohannon, Grover Mitchell , Henry Coker, Jimmy Cleveland, John Ewing , Maurice Spears (trombone); Don Abney, Chester Lane, Gerald Wiggins (piano); Earl Palmer , Jesse Sailes (drums).
Recording information: Glen Glenn Sound; Mowest Studios.
Editors: Suzanne de Passe; Iris Gordy.
Ensemble: Teddy Buckner.
Arrangers: Gil Askey; Michel Legrand; Oliver Nelson; Benny Golson.
Diana Ross delivered a devastating portrayal of Billie Holliday in her film debut, although jazz purists were mixed on her singing. Some felt she captured the essence of Lady Day, if not the exact sound, while others were less charitable.
Still, both the film and the resulting soundtrack album were huge hits, and it's safe to say that they introduced Holliday's work to a new audience, clearly a good thing. LADY SINGS THE BLUES features Ross performing songs either associated with Holliday ("Good Morning Heartache"), or written by her ("Fine and Mellow"). There are also snippets of dialogue, and excerpts from Michel Legrand's evocative orchestral score.

• Format: CD
• Genre: R&B