There are moments in the new film, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, that are very hard to watch. They’re socially gruesome. But at the center of each is the acclaimed musician (and now actor!), Andra Day, who portrays Holiday in the way any naturally great actor might. She—Day—is lost completely in the roll. Holiday then emerges, bright, brittle voice and all. Cigarette smoke swirl and scary-beautiful eyes. Then, on stage, Day as Holiday becomes the thick, buoyant beam of light that can form only when two other beams merge. That’s when Day’s singing prowess meets her newfound acting talent.
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Something special: Join songwriter, singer, recording artist, and Grammy-winning producer Joe Henry for Five Things I’ve Learned by Song, an intimate, 90-minute session in which he’ll share what he’s learned about songwriting and the ways that the process and progress of our lives – like Song – knows more than we do.
About Paula: Paula Boggs is an acclaimed musician, public speaker, writer and lawyer. In her musical life, Paula sings while also playing guitar and ukelele for her band called the Paula Boggs Band. The band blends the sounds of jazz, rock and Americana. Thus far, Paula has written and recorded three full-length albums with her band in addition to recording two EPs.
She is also a distinguished Army veteran whose favorite song is “Masters of War” by Bob Dylan. "[The song's] lyrics help me never forget who makes the decisions to send young men and women to war. The lyrics are timeless," Paula told American Songwriter.
In her own songwriting, Paula looks up to Curtis Mayfield. "Beyond hip-hop, African American artists are too often given short shrift for our songwriting prowess," Paula said. "Mayfield was a giant and one of the first to tackle poverty, drug abuse and crime within the African American community. His music also honors and reflects the Civil Rights Movement."
Listen to "Ebony Revisited" which showcases Paula's inspirations and songwriting.
