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• The Billie And Me Experience
Last year I had the honour of being part of a wonderful musical
celebration of Billie Holiday. It was called "Billie and Me".
I took on the role of 'narrator' for the production, and as I read the
story of Billie to the audience and they listened to
the remarkable musical performances, it seemed to me that a story was
being told for the first time -- the story of who Billie really was and
the deeply profound influence she had and still has on women around
the world. I truly believe in the power of "Billie and Me" and I
would love to see it staged, in a long-running production.
- Nancy Wilson
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My participation in 'Billie and Me' was both enriching and empowering. Billie's spirit brings every singer who
truly listens home to their true selves; Billie's helped me to understand that a voice is not just the
sound you hear but the unleashing of the soul. At the end of the tour, the project was no longer referred to as "Billie and Me," but as "Billie in Me."
- Dianne Reeves
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Billie's unique singing struck an eternal chord – the thing that inspires all artists and has brought audiences joy for decades.
- Chrissie Hynde
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I have been listening to Billie Holiday since I was a little girl. I have studied all the ranges in the different
emotions that she conveyed through her voice. It changed my life - as a woman, as a singer, as an artist, with
my pain and suffering, my vulnerability and disappointments. I had no idea at
the age of 12 that I would soon be living the lyrics
I had grown to love so early on in my life. As I grew and life changed, so did the lyrics. With every bad
experience, the lyrics grew nearer and dearer to me. I knew that I was Billie and she was me. I understood her for
her and nothing more, and wasn't anybody's business if I did! I have never been more ready to explore my musical
destiny [Billie and Me] than I am right now.
- Jaguar Wright |
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I have seen "Billie and Me" grow -– from its beginnings as a radio series for BBC Radio 2 – to the London Barbican
show where ten incredible female artists took the adapted radio show to the stage – paying tribute to their ancestor
the great Billie Holiday. I narrated both the Radio 2 and Barbican shows. Through the whole process I was blown away
by the real story of Billie and by the impact she has had on women across the world. It's because of this relationship between
Billie and all of us women, that this is no ordinary production. This is a story that needs to be
told over and over again. Terri Lyne Carrington's music is awesome, the story of Billie is mind-blowing –- this
show should be on the stage fulltime...
- Neneh Cherry
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Working on "Billie and Me" was one of the most gratifying experiences in my life. I was able to use the many facets of
my creative energy to musically enhance Sarah Cropper's concept for this production. I was able to work on it from
beginning to end, which is something I had never had the luxury of doing before. Working with all of the incredible
singers was a joy and a welcomed challenge. I look forward to a long and fruitful life for "Billie and Me."
- Terri Lyne Carrington |
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The exciting thing for me was to hear evidence of how Billie's voice has influenced artists from so many
different genres of music. She was more than just a jazz singer and the show brought together many different
styles of music.
- Joan Osborne |
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"Billie and Me" was a very empowering experience for me. As a devotee of Billie Holiday, and of many of
the women I had the privilege of sharing the stage with for that event, the experience was immeasurable.
- Lalah Hathaway |
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I have seen and participated in many shows about Billie Holiday. However, the power, joy and innovative creativity of "Billie and Me"
was especially compelling because the performers were all women interpreting in their own styles, her music - yet they were one in
their love, respect and admiration for Lady Day: a woman living in those difficult times, transcending sociopolitical mores, racism and sexism.
The audience were enfolded in the magical embrace of her Voice, Music, Art and Spirit - my! what a hauntingly magnificent spirit. I
know she was present that night, nodding her head, gently approvingly smiling. It was not just Billie and Me, Billie and You, but Billie and the World.
- Yolande Bavan |
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The "Billie & Me" concert was for me probably the most enriching feminine
vocal encounter I ever experienced. Headed by Terri Lyne Carrington, as
Musical Director, with star musicians, and vocalists from many different
musical backgrounds. To have shared the love of Billie Holiday with so many
glorious and unique voices, such as Chrissie Hynde, Angelique Kidjo, Yolande
Bavan, Neneh Cherry, Fontella Bass and Amy Winehouse was monumental. I
thank Terri Lyne and Sarah Cropper for their vision, and for including me in
such a majestic collaboration. This project is undeniable proof of the
universal impact of Billie Holiday, our "Lady Day".
- Dee Dee Bridgewater |
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