Holiday, Billie. (1915-1959)
Important Autograph Letter
BILLIE HOLIDAY REQUESTS CHANGES TO 'LADY SINGS THE BLUES'An autograph letter signed by Billie Holiday, December 30th 1955, on Cunard White Star headed paper, to Mr. (Lee) Barker at Doubleday Publishers. In full, "Dear Mr. Barker, I have been reading the book and there are many changes I want made. Mr. Lieb sent us a letter which I enclose for your consideration. I am leaving for Cleavland [sic] for a week and suggest you hold up any galleyes [sic] until I return if there is any question please call Mr. Lieb. PS excuse writing, never write letters, Billie Holiday". In very fine condition. Together with the letter referred to here by Holiday, a typed letter signed "Harry" (Lieb) on 'Harry A. Lieb / Attorney at Law' letterhead, December 27th 1955, addressed to "Billie" (Holiday) and "Lou" (McKay - Holiday's husband). Headed "re: Lady Sings the Blues", in full, "Since my meeting with (William) Dufty and you, I have had no word regarding the suggested deletions and additions to the manuscript. It is extremely important that it be read and re-read carefully before publication to make certain that possible libelous statements be deleted. Incidentally, has Billie read the entire contents of the book herself? Although my function is not of a critic, I should like to give you my opinion of the book as presently written. I must preface my remarks by telling you that I have heard Billie sing on records and radio and her voice is just beautiful. There is so much of human suffering, sensitivity and music in her voice. The book, therefore, comes as a disappointment, as if in her autobiography she had written to put herself in the worst possible light. The first 50 pages are very good, but the rest is a series of gripes, with a few scandal items. It is bitter and even the cuss words get very tiresome when they are repeated over and over again. Now I cannot believe that that is all there is to Billie. Her story must surely be dramatic and touching and it should evoke sympathy, pity and understanding. This book, in my opinion, does not do this. It doesn't give the reader the faintest inkling of what a drug addict feels or suffers, nor does it portray her as the great singer she is. It would seem that some of the wonderful notices she has received could be woven into the telling of the story. I feel that Billie doesn't just want to show her tough outer shell or that is the way she wants the world to regard her. There is a great story in Billie and it would seem to me that Billie and Dufty should be able to produce it. The above is just my opinion. I may be all wrong, but take it for what it is worth. I have only your best interest at heart." In fine condition.
"LADY SINGS THE BLUES" was a ghostwritten autobiography by William Dufty, based on previous interviews given by the singer. But, despite the authenticity of the voice that comes through the book, a voice that few would deny as that of Holiday herself, much speculation followed its publication that Holiday had had little to do with its creation; indeed, many assumed that Holiday had never even read it. This is clearly refuted here by Holiday's comment, "I have been reading the book". The input from Holiday's attorney is poignant here too; his desire to protect his client's best interests is clear, though, paradoxically, he appears to objectify Holiday too, in his visceral preference for an 'air-brushed' version of her story. A fascinating correspondence that sheds light on the awkward birth of an important book.
Revered as one of the greatest and most individual vocalists in the history of blues and jazz, she died from cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 44. (4926)
Signed Document/Item Jazz