Question: U2’s song Angel of Harlem was written about what singer?
Show answer
Billie Holliday.
U2’s song “Angel of Harlem” is an homage to the legendary jazz and blues singer Billie Holiday. Known as “Lady Day,” Billie Holiday is one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century, whose impact on jazz and pop singing is still evident today.
The song “Angel of Harlem” is from U2’s 1988 album “Rattle and Hum.” The lyrics directly reference Billie Holiday with the line “Birdland on Fifty-Three, the street sounds like a symphony,” alluding to the famous jazz club Birdland where Holiday performed and the world of music that surrounded her. The mention of “Fifty-Three” references 52nd Street in New York City, which was a bustling hub of jazz clubs in the 1930s and 1940s.
Billie Holiday’s life was marked by personal struggles, including issues with substance abuse and encounters with racism, which she poignantly expressed in her haunting rendition of the song “Strange Fruit,” a protest against the lynching of African Americans. Despite the challenges she faced, or perhaps because of them, she managed to imbue her performances with a depth of emotion and vulnerability that continues to resonate with audiences today.
U2’s “Angel of Harlem” is not just about Billie Holiday, though. It’s a broader tribute to the city of New York and its rich musical heritage. But by invoking the spirit of Billie Holiday, U2 acknowledges the deep roots and the transformative power of American blues, jazz, and gospel music, genres that have significantly influenced the band’s sound.
In essence, “Angel of Harlem” serves as U2’s love letter to Harlem, to Billie Holiday, and to the profound musical legacy of New York City. Through its soulful melodies and evocative lyrics, the song captures the magic of a time and place where music was not just entertainment but also a powerful means of expression and resistance.
