# Lady Sings the Blues (1972)

> A passionate but simplified Billie Holiday biopic powered by Diana Ross’s star-making performance, jazz atmosphere, and a heartbreaking portrait of addiction under racial pressure.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/13758

## Facts

- Runtime: 144 min
- Genres: Drama, Music
- Director: Sidney J. Furie
- Cast: Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, James T. Callahan, Paul Hampton, Sid Melton, Virginia Capers, Yvonne Fair
- TMDB rating: 6.9/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068828/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: mild
- Mood: melancholic, passionate, tragic, jazz night, classic music film marathon

## Synopsis

A powerful journey through the life of a jazz legend battling her demons.

## Movies like Lady Sings the Blues

- [Back to Black (2024)](https://ember.film/movie/933904)
- [Bessie (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/209783)
- ['Round Midnight (1986)](https://ember.film/movie/8710)
- [Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/202511)
- [Dreamgirls (2006)](https://ember.film/movie/853)
- [Mo' Better Blues (1990)](https://ember.film/movie/26856)
- [Respect (2021)](https://ember.film/movie/415113)
- [Judy (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/337450)
- [Amy (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/210825)
- [La Vie en Rose (2007)](https://ember.film/movie/939)

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