Lady Sings the Blues

Directed by Sidney J. Furie

Written by Suzanne de Passe, William Dufty, Chris Clark, Billie Holiday, Terence McCloy

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.

Cast

Diana Ross

Billie Holiday

Billy Dee Williams

Louis McKay

Richard Pryor

Piano Man

James T. Callahan

Reg Hanley

?

Paul Hampton

Harry

Sid Melton

Jerry

Virginia Capers

Mama Holiday

Yvonne Fair

Yvonne

Isabel Sanford

The Madame

?

Tracee Lyles

The Prostitute

Ned Glass

The Agent

Milton Selzer

The Doctor