Lady Sings the Blues (1972)

Diana Ross is Billie Holiday. Diana Ross sings Billie Holiday. And a superstar is born.

Cast

Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, James T. Callahan, Paul Hampton

Overview

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.