1. ANDRA DAY - THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY (MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE)
February's US politics was dominated by the move to impeach former president Donald Trump. Instead, his lawyers put Black Lives Matter protesters on trial by playing clips of prominent Black Democratic representative Maxine Waters delivering fiery speeches to argue such people were no better than the white supremacists who'd invaded the Capitol building. On February 19, actor and singer Andra Day released her soundtrack to new film
The United States vs. Billie Holiday, which tells the story of how the legendary jazz singer stood up to the racist establishment. “The story is about how this woman, this icon, was much too outspoken, and so the government came after her,” said screenwriter Suzan-Lori Parks. “It’s about how we African-American folks love this country that doesn’t really love us back.” The film is anchored by Holiday's iconic protest song "Strange Fruit". MORE>>>