I was never familiar with any songs, but I had always heard the name of the famous singer, so this documentary was a chance for me to get to know more about her and her work. Basically, this explores the life and career of jazz singer Billie Holliday, through a series of recorded audio interviews, some archive television footage and live performances, and many photographs. Specifically, the film is based around recorded audio cassettes from the 1970s by Linda Lipnack Kuehl, researching for a book about Holiday that was never completed. Kuehl's interviews were with friends, family members, band members, peers from 1930s Harlem, piano players, psychiatrists, and a pimp. Holiday made the news on numerous occasions for her relationships, but many thought her career would be damaged when she was arrested and imprisoned for possession of drugs. She spent two years incarcerated and could not escape the addictions of alcohol and drugs, but she is always remembered for her mesmerising voice. Holiday may not be well known for chart success, but her vocal talent is certainly memorable, with songs like "Strange Fruit", "God Bless the Child", "Blue Moon", "Lover Man" and "Summertime". Interviewed celebrities and those featured in the audio and television included Tony Bennett, Sylvia Syms, Louis Armstrong, John Hammond (music producer), Tom Jones and Orson Welles. If you are unfamiliar, like me, with Billie Holiday, then this is an interesting insight into a troubled but talented star, a worthwhile documentary. Billie Holiday - Lady Sings the Blues was number 38 on The 100 Greatest Albums. Good!