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Nothing from the mountain of information that has been written about Diana Ross and her fabled recording career over the past five decades comes close to being as revelatory in nature as the Hip-O Select expanded edition of her classic 1973 recording, Touch Me in the Morning. Disc One remains mostly true to the original vinyl release with bonus alternative versions of four of the album cuts as well as charming studio spoken banter featuring Diana stating she feels a cold coming on. Disc Two, the unreleased album, To The Baby could be considered Ms. Ross' fully conceived concept album which never saw the light of day, but now almost 39 years later, we can appreciate her artistry and strong sense of vision of who she was. While her label mates, Stevie Wonder was coming of age with his Where I'm Coming From, Marvin Gaye was being haunted by his introspective What's Going On, and the Four Tops were delving into Still Waters Run Deep, Diana was sharing her unabashed joy of motherhood. Perhaps Berry Gordy had other considerations besides the potential commercial success of this venture, keeping To The Baby in the can, but time proved him wrong in initially fighting both Stevie and Marvin from releasing their masterpieces. The Ewan MacCall classic song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was hugely popularized by Roberta Flack, but Ross' version is haunting in it's own right. Got To be There, a Jackson 5 hit is pure delight given the full breathy Ross trademark treatment. T-Boy Ross, whose composition, I Want You, became a classic recording associated with Marvin Gaye, was brilliantly covered by his sister, Diana on her I Love You compact disc. Here, T-Boy' finally gets to have his sublime To The Baby posthumously see the light of day, surely a bitter sweet moment for Diana. To the ears of this reviewer, the medley of Imagine/Save The Children works slightly better than the the Ross produced stand alone version of Imagine, and the Brown Baby/ Save The Children version that appeared on the original Touch Me In the Morning release. To round off this beautifully packaged Hip-O Select set featuring rare photos of a radiant and very pregnant Ross, is the engaging Smokey Robinson written, produced and near duet, Kewpie Doll. Limited to only 7,000 copies, this collector's set will sell out quickly and an attempt to secure a copy will reward the listener many times over. Ross at her best and highly recommended!

Touch Me In the Morning: Expanded Edition - Diana Ross (Hip-O Select/Motown/Universal) By 1973, Diana Ross seemed to be light years away from her tenure as a founding member of The Supremes. She had already hit two pinnacles garnering her first #1 solo single in "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and even more impressive, a #1 album and movie with "Lady Sings the Blues". Her movie debut would earn a Best Actress nomination and Golden Globe. She lost the Oscar to Liza Minelli. All the excitement generated from her cinematic debut would also cause her contemporary music career to take somewhat of a backseat. It is not like she stopped recording. In fact, she had been quite prolific in the recording studio with no less than 3 projects including "Everything is Everything", "Surrender" and the unreleased, "To the Baby" albums. Gordy had decided it was time to return to the top of the charts w/another radio friendly smash. Michael Masser, a new songwriter/producer, was commissioned to create that smash. The result was "Touch Me in the Morning". FM radio was becoming more and more pervasive. FM radio would break the rigid formula of its counterpart. Its freeform nature, at that time, would give equal time to the full 6:06 minute version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", rotated next to Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" or Ten Years After's "Love Like a Man". It would be the last days of the relevance of AM radio. Berry Gordy had mastered the demands and boundaries of that format. Famously Gordy commented that "a single would not be released until its sound was calibrated through a transistor radio", as well as, a state of the art sound system. So let's step back in time for a second and remember when albums had a Side 1/Side 2. To my ears, "Touch Me in the Morning" Side 1 was geared towards AM radio. The songs were more Adult contemporary and the sound was compressed and safe, just like that format in general. Michael Masser wrote a rather complicated song about the end of a love affair. As a producer, he had Diana layer vocals on top of vocals. (Reportedly, this drove Ross crazy and she grew to resent those sessions). The lyrics were a lot more sophisticated than what one may have initially thought. In fact, a lyric like "mornings were blue and gold, we use to feel each other living" would only grow in significance. Diana would experiment with various live arrangements of the song through the years. Songs like "I Won't Last a Day Without You" written by Paul Williams (The Carpenters) and Michael Randall ("Leave a Little Room", "All of My Life") had that sunny AM radio sound that would be antecedent to the "soccer mom" phenomenon of the millennium era. The kind of copyrights that eventually found its way onto Johnny Mathis, Helen Reddy albums. It would also demonstrate the dichotomy that Diana and Berry wrestled with in deciding what direction her solo career should take. (A noted British music critic reflected on how Gordy fashioned Diana's next makeover from a more soulful, edgy Diva (see "Love Child", "I'm Livin' in Shame") to a more cabaret-ish songstress (Streisand, Dionne Warwick). "Lady Sings the Blues" captured both sides beautifully. However, high-end supper club bookings were still coveted compared to arenas. Supper club bookings catered to an older audience. Therefore, her set list would be more MOR (middle of the road). Side Two would be slightly more adventurous. It would open up with a gorgeous, acoustic rendition of Rodgers-Hart's "Little Girl Blue". (Diana recorded no less than 4 different arrangements of this song from The Supremes ("Sing Rodgers and Hart", "Lost and Found: Let the Music Play") and more recently as a solo artist ("Stolen Moments"). She tackles a fairly straightforward version of John Lennon's "Imagine". There is a decidedly more urbane feel to "My Baby My Own" with its wonderful, mournful adlibs. These songs sound ready made for the burgeoning FM radio format. The album closes out with a beautiful medley of "Brown Baby"/"Save the Children", the latter from Marvin's iconic "What's Going On" album from a couple of years prior. Diana had begun to stretch her creativity once again by producing "Imagine" and "Save the Children". While her production skills were fairly safe, it offered promise of what may possibly come. (In fact, when it was announced that Diana and Marvin would record together.......possibilities seemed endless, from writing and producing collaborations. Alas, it would never be fully realized). The alternate mixes on this "Expanded Edition" are particularly impressive. The set includes alternate mixes on half of this album's songs. The two extra versions of "Touch Me in the Morning" are quite listenable. Mix 1 has a fuller orchestration, Mix 2 is even more majestic and symphonic with a long, elegant opening that leads into some of Diana's most potent singing. Still, in reflection, the version that was first released was probably more commercial and radio-friendly. "All of My Life" ,1973 mix, is a tad more soulful with strong violins and a soulful guitar/sax ending. It would become a Top Ten hit in the U.K. And Deke Richards' "We Need You" is decidedly more soulful as well ending with a heartfelt plea. This has always been one of my favorite Diana Ross albums. The soft focused photo cover captures Diana seemingly floating in clouds like an angel listening to harps and orchestral strings.. The album flows delicately like the sound of birds chirping on a spring morning. Disc 2: To The Baby" - Diana Ross (Motown/Universal/Hip-O Select) As the saying goes, a lot has been said and written about Diana Ross. One thing that is hard to deny is her incredible work ethic. In the early 70s, her prolific output continued at a breathtaking pace. She seemed to effortlessly juggle a new solo career, movie debut, new marriage and the birth of her first baby. "To The Baby" was designed to be a tribute to her children. The first, Rhonda Suzanne Gordy-Silberstein was born in August of 1971. Diana would declare in countless interviews that she wanted a large family. The title song "To The Baby" was co-written by Diana's brother, Arthur Ross, affectionately known as "T-Boy". There have been rumors of this album's existence circulating for decades. Just as amazing as the title song demonstrates T-Boy's expertise as a songwriter (he also co-wrote Marvin Gaye's "I Want You"), it is amazing that this wondrous album has finally seen the light of day. Original songs like the title song, "Part of You" and "Kewpie Doll" are sequenced in with more than credible versions of hit songs of that time, like "Got to Be There", "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and ""Imagine". "Part of You" opens up the album. It is a soft, melodic song with flourishes of Motown and sprinkles of sunny lullabies. Diana sings it with ease. Strings swirl and accentuate the delicate signature of Diana's vocals. "A Wonderful Guest" follows a similar musical turn, part lovely lullaby and part Motown in the finest of that label's distinctive musicianship. Once again, Diana's vocals are wrapped in beautiful violins. It is a reminder of that unique vocal quality that belongs only to her. Some singers possess full-bodied, soul instruments, whereas, I likened Diana's voice to fine delicate crystal. It rings and shimmers and makes for a beautiful tapestry of sounds. Diana confidently takes on covers by Roberta Flack in "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". In a spoken word intro, she makes clear that this version is not about a deep, abiding love. It is about that magical moment when a parent looks into the eyes of their new borne for the very first time. Michael's sometimes forgotten first solo single, "Got to Be There" is no longer filled with the heart-fluttering romance of teen love. Instead, it becomes a declaration, an affirmation of what will forever be the relationship between mother and child. It is no less memorable. Apparently Lena Horne recorded one of the first versions of "Brown Baby". I have been unable to find much information about it. In this version on "To The Baby", it stands alone as its own track. It is soulful, filled with great adlibs dubbed throughout. (Rhonda Suzanne would graduate from Brown University with a degree in African American studies. The song takes on an even more profound meaning with this knowledge.). In what some may consider her bravest move, Diana does a respectable cover of John Lennon's "Imagine". "Imagine" would become one of the first songs she produced on herself. But in returning to the title track, one feels a wide range of emotions. On one hand, I remember buying T-Boy's only solo album on Motown. Diana resurrected "I Want You" on her last studio outing, "I Love You". In interviews and on that album's DVD, she reminds her fans of T-Boy's writing talents. T-Boy, unfortunately, was barbarously annihilated about a decade ago. The promise of a young talent unfulfilled. "To Be Baby" is included as a bonus disc on the just released, "Touch Me in the Morning: Expanded Edition". Hip-O Select, the catalog division of Motown/Universal released it to the fans in December 2009. Many of Diana's fans have expressed enthusiasm for this great find from the vaults. The album is strong enough on its own that one can only wonder why Motown decided to shelf it for over 3 decades. "Kewpie Doll" written and produced by Smokey closes out this very special release. It makes one wonder why Diana and Smokey have not worked together more often. It was Smokey that first brought Diana and The Supremes to Berry Gordy's attention a half century ago in 1961. She inducted him into the NAACP Hall of Fame. He recently bestowed the coveted Kennedy Center Honors to Diana. They remain close. The internet has been a buzzed with "Kewpie Doll" as a fan favorite. If that were not enough, the Hip-O Select/Motown/Universal team includes the rare "When We Grow Up", Diana's contribution to Marla Thomas' celebrated "Free to Be, You and Me".

Reviews

After seeing the PBS program on the 70s, I just had to get more. This is the best!

Its a great memory trip back to the fun songs of my youth. These are songs that are classic. Great album

Pure Disco, Volume 2 is one hour, twelve minutes and twelve seconds and was released on November 11, 1997. The songs on this cassette were some of the most popular songs during the disco era. The only song that I have not heard in a long time is Love's Theme by Love Unlimited Orchestra. At the end of the cassette is a mixture of diva songs. This is a great cassette to listen to and Pure Disco, Volume 2 gets an A+ from me. Side A I Will Survive (remix)-Gloria Gaynor (Shake, Shake, Shake,) Shaky Your Booty-KC & The Sunshine Band #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles (four non consecutive weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles Turn the Beat Around-Vicki Sue Robinson #10 U.S. Billboard Pop Charts #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco (four weeks at #1) Macho Man-Village People #25 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles We Are Family-Sister Sledge #2 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco (two weeks at #1) Flashdance...What a Feeling-Irene Cara #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles (six weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play (three weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard ARC Weekly Top 40 (five weeks at #1 #4 U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #2 U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles (six weeks at #1) I Just Want To Be Your Everything-Andy Gibb #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles (four weeks at #1) #8 U.S. Billboard Easy Listening #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles (three weeks at #1) Everlasting Love-Carl Carlton #6 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe-Barry White #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles (three weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles Rock the Boat-The Hues Corporation #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles Love Rollercoaster-Ohio Players #1 U.S. Billboard Pop Charts #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles #3 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles Upside Down-Diana Ross #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles (four weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles (four weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco (five non consecutive weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard ARC Weekly Top 40 (three weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles (three weeks at #1) Side B Play that Funky Music-Wild Cherry #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles (three weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles (two weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles (two weeks at #1) The Hustle-Van McCoy #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles Love's Theme-Love Unlimited Orchestra #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! (A Man After Midnight)-Abba Did not chart in the United States Fly, Robin, Fly-Silver Convention #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles (three weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco (three weeks at #1) #2 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles Grammy Award in 1976 for Best Instrumental Performance Ring My Bell-Anita Ward #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles (two weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles (five weeks at #1) #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco #1 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles (three weeks at #1) It's Raining Men-The Weather Girls #46 U.S. Billboard Pop Charts #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play (two weeks at #1) #34 U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles Last Dance-Donna Summer #3 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles #1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco (six weeks at #1) #5 U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles #42 U.S. Billboard Easy Listening #4 U.S. Cash Box Magazine Top Singles The Diva Megamix

Though the remix of Gaynor's "I Will Survive" featured on this compilation pales in comparison to the original, heard on the first in the series, the other songs contained within are true indicators of what a generation danced to during the late 70's and early 80's. Classics like "Turn the Beat Around," the perennial favorite "We Are Family," "Can't Get Enough of Your Love," "Rock the Boat," Diana Ross's monster hit "Upside Down," "Play the Funky Music," the great "Ring My Bell," It's Raining Men," "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty," "The Hustle," "Love's Theme," and the Donna Summer Oscar-winning "Last Dance" will, most definitely, take a disco lover to musical heaven. Of course, there's a little filler here. "Flashdance" seems a bit too 80's for this collection and Andy Gibb's "I Just Want to be Your Everything" just doesn't fit. However, one can overlook those errors in judgment and just enjoy the disc in its entirety.

If you like the original version of "I will survive" do not buy this CD. This version is horrible!!! Unfortunately, I opened the CD and couldn't return it.

Reviews

Mostly like the songs on this CD, but don't like the "eco-friendly packaging, as the CD is not held tightly on a spindle in the packaging and falls out at the slightest movement after the first time you take it out of the case. Put CD in a jewel case, so everything is now fine! (So much for saving the environment!) Songs are a good mix of Diana Ross' and the Supreme's early work. Most of the best songs, BUT these songs have been remixed. We don't really like the remixing, but it's not too terrible. Worth the price, would probably buy again!

I had forgotten how many great songs that Diana Ross and the Supremes recorded until I looked at the playlist for this album. 24 songs is a great deal that I just couldn't resist and I'm not disappointed. I've been listening to it all afternoon and thinking back to where I was and what I was doing when each of the songs was popular. It's hard to pick favorites from this album but Baby Love, You Keep me Hanging On and Stop in the Name of Love are the ones that bring back special memories. Really, I love them all. I always buy the mp3 versions of albums these days. It's easier than getting the CD and then having to upload it to the computer and then downloading to the iPod. The sound on this collection is superb. I brought my iPod downstairs and connected it to the surround sound system with this type of cable 3.5mm Male to 2 RCA Type Male 6 FT. Audio-Y Cable for iPod, iRiver, Zune, Audiovox FMM100 FM Modulator or other AUX adapter and listen to my iPod playlists. I made a separate playlist for this collection and also added the songs to my "Oldies" playlist which is about 6 days long now!

What a treasure trove of hits this has. From Where did our love go, through You Can't Hurry Love, and even Jean Terrell's Stoned Love and ending with several of Diana's duet and solo hits. This really is a must have for any Supremes fan and what a great price. They sound so much better on this cd than the old 45's did.

Say what you will about the many incarnations of Diana Ross - Motown Chanteuse, Auteur, Mannequin, Jacko Muse or (Nora) Desmond Diva - it is almost impossible to deny her enduring influence on popular culture over the past forty years. Whether in group, or sans Supremes this collection is a career-spanning tour de force that leaves little argument that her presence not only continues to loom large but is timeless. Considering the ancient recording technology that supported the original masters, Number 1's is as clean and pristine as any contemporary release could hope to be. However, the unintended consequence of brilliance and transparency is perhaps, the excavation of too much information best left buried beneath the pop and static of the original "stereophonic" recordings - the underlying shrillness that sometimes surfaces in recordings that have been scrubbed too clean - like watching The Twilight Zone in HD and being able to discern make-up lines and prop fakery that were never apparent in the lower resolution broadcasts. Under digital magnification Ross's sometimes thin and reedy vocals are occassionally exposed - but no matter - as the epic quality of the material itself more than compensates when her range is stretched beyond the limits of human hearing. Also, for some reason, Universal Music seems obsessed about making a great deal of the "eco-friendly" biodegradable packaging. I suspect it will be a great comfort to my descendents that the landfill half-life of Ms. Ross is now 500 years instead of 1,000. Frankly, I would have much preferred a jewel case replete with liner-notes and other biographical material. Note to UM - lose the pc inspired, minimalist nonsense and give Ross and the Supremes the respect and presentation they deserve. Regardless, note for note this is an almost perfect collection and is very highly recommended.

The cd was in excellant condition and the shipping was very fast. I will definitely shop here again.

Reviews

In the spirit and tradition of Tom Sawyer and the quest for the lost gold this story is one of the best I've seen in a long time. Jodi is a victim of abuse who has created a world for herself away from the pains of everyday life. Her friendship with the new girl in town is the basis of this story. This is an example of an excellent character study and a delightful adventure for all ages.

Purchased this to upgrade from the VHS copy I have. My family loves this movie! Picture and sound quality are far superior to the VHS tape. Another bonus I am surprised that Amazon didn't mention is that the DVD is Widescreen. I also tried this DVD in different players (including a PC drive) and it played OK. I recommend this DVD if you don't have a copy of this movie or if you want to upgrade from a VHS copy.

I have seen this movie once on ABC. I loved it. Then I searched for hours on amazon because I couldn't remember the name. I finally found it and have searched on different occasions for a DVD version. This is a must see for all families. I hope it comes out on DVD soon!!

I don't know why I enjoyed this movie so much the first time I saw it, but it was memorable enough that, to this day, I cannot change the channel when it is on. It's definitely one of the most suspenseful kids' movies I've seen- and even if they won't admit it, I bet even adults who watch it hold their breaths in anticipation towards the end. It certainly didn't get the greatest critic reviews, but you've definitely gotta give this movie a chance- it's worth it.

Anna and Christina are two of the best child actresses I've ever seen act together. This movie symbolizes the meaning of true friendship. By the way, does anyone know when and if it will come out on DVD?

Reviews

Dennis Hopper, Barbara Hershey and Ed Harris: now there's three last names- all beginning with H- and all in their prime in the 1980s. Here's a bigger oddity: nary a profane word spoken by either Hopper or Harris in this movie! There also is very little violence. However, when it occurs, it is shocking. Hopper plays his normal evil person and is convincing, as always. The film is fascinating for the first half but then bogs down with the romance between Hershey and Harris. It picks up again at the end. The scenery here of the rural South of the 1940s is very pretty. This is an odd film; almost hard to classify, but certainly worth a look. It's not a well-known film, as you can see by the amount of reviews. I've seen it twice and enjoyed it both times.

The intenseness of Dennis Hopper comes out in a red-neck way while trying to deal with multiple situations involving women, blacks, and not to be forgotten, the elderly. Not exactly the Southern hospitality you'd expect. No one is exempt from his justice. How does one get released from jail after getting convicted for murder and sentenced? Check with your good old boy network.

Well I'am not too surprised this movie doesn't get too attention. I wouldn't it call a masterpiece but neither a terrible movie. It falls somewhere in the middle. Plot (Spoilers to follow): An altercation between a racist white man and a black boy about the ownership of a damaged vehicle prompts the white man to kill the boy's mother and sister. Pros: Dennis Hopper's character as Paris Trout is probably the most fleshed out character in the movie. The movie main selling point basically is this bigot's journey into madness and self-destruction and to that Dennis Hopper does it like the veteran he is. Cons: *Predictable ending *The other characters are one dimensional and weak *The ending itself leaves you a bit unsatisfied. Barbara Hershey is a great actress but her character is so one dimensional it's almost annoying. Hanna Trout represents back then and even today the battered housewife, the housewife whose come to expect nothing from life except the misery of her husband. Ed Harris's character as Harry Seagraves is pretty much despite his handsome, heroic appearences not much better than Paris Trout. Here's a lawyer defending a murderer who he knows is guilty, has sex with his wife and well there's pretty much it. The story takes place in Georgia and well while I can go along with the fact that the law has in certain situations been corrupt, why is it that no one else confronts Paris? Certainly the character is so hateful and pitiful that I was awaiting for the moment when somebody takes revenge on him but it never happens. I realize Stephen Gyllenhaal's goal was to show an evil man getting away with murder but he could have made things more interesting which leads to my next point: This movie is way too long. This movie could have been cut down immensely like the court scenes which serves no purpose especially when we learn how Paris gets away with murder. All in all it's an ok film, some might like others not. It's probably not the type of film you would watch again as there are other films like it. However, if you are a Dennis Hopper fan you'll probably like it.

Glad to see this somewhat underappreciated, overlooked and forgotten masterpiece is finally on DVD. Maybe now more people will discover its brilliance. Don't really have much to add to the existing reviews except two things: I almost feel that Hopper's lucky he was a long established actor and this wasn't his debut because Paris Trout is such a loathsome character, and Hopper was so effective in the role, that it could have been one of those cases where the disgust for the character bled over to the actor. He was that good. Also, I seem to remember there was some controversy over this film because, like Linda Fiorentino in "The Last Seduction", many wanted to give the film, and Hopper, Oscar nominations but Academy rules forbid it because, even though it did have a limited theatrical release, it was produced by and originally aired on cable (Showtime I think). Too bad because I have to wonder if Hopper would have won if he had of received a nomination for best actor. I have no doubt he would have at least received a nomination. GREAT movie and a must see for anyone who loves great acting and writing!!

This Dennis Hopper film has not received the attention it deserves. Classic performance by Hopper at his most menacing. Barbara Hershey and Ed Harris are also excellent in this powerful drama! If you are a Hopper fan, you'll definitely enjoy his character portrayal.

Reviews

Everyone is good in this fictional movie except Diana Ross. She can squeak out a few Holiday covers but stinks in her overwrought acting. She starts out the first 20 or so minutes of the film playing a "girl ALMOST 14"! Ridiculous. Diana is laughable as a twenty-something woman talking girl talk, wearing pigtails, using what she thinks are child-like mannerisms and working in a whore house! The movie is loosely based on her autobiography which is loosely based on reality. Many, many things Billie claims happen just didn't. In essence, she lied. There are dozens and dozens of silly things about this movie that I will point out just a few: Billie NEVER saw a lynching as they show in the film. She did sing a song "Strange Fruit" about lynching but the movie would have you think she had something to do with writing the song after this event. She didn't. The song was written by a Jewish school teacher years earlier based on a picture in a book of a lynching. Billie just came across it and sang it. Next: she never ran into the KKK in her life and she certainly didn't scream and yell at the klansmen like they show her doing in this movie, drawing attention to herself and putting her life and her friends' lives all in danger. Never happened. She was a great singer but she was a junkie who lost her voice and died with $750.00 strapped to her leg, all she had left. Diana screams, cries, goes hysterical, pouts, tries to play a junkie in this campy black "Valley of the Dolls" and is horrible. Diana has a tiny, whiny voice that is in no way like Billie's. To make matters worse, she repeats the same mistake a few years later in "The Wiz", an otherwise good film she sinks by again playing a part written for a young girl and whining, crying, screaming and rarely smiling throughout (there are 3 songs where she cracks a smile unconvincingly). The woman just cannot act. Her voice is so slight she has no reason to be in a musical. Instead of paying tribute to Billie she ends up slapping her in the face with a cheesy Lifetime movie interpretation of a truly great American artist. The direction of "Lady Sings the Blues" is by-the-numbers. The other actors are good to great. They are the only reason to watch if you even bother.

Diana really should have won an Oscar for this movie and not Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music.

I probally have seen "Lady Sings the Blues" over a 100 times,and its on TV right now.Its near the end after The Piano Man ,Richard Pryor,has just gotten killed.I'm amazed of his acting,and of course,Diana Ross.She is Billy Holiday,even the way she sings.I have alot of Holidays records,and Ross added her style blending with Billys to come up with one of the greatest performances ever on screen. This DVD is a Classic,and its one of my top 10 films of all time.Even though I'm a Liza Minnelli fan,I wanted Ross to win the Oscar so bad that year,along with Richard Pryor.

I love the dvd I purchased of Lady Sings the Blues. Great quantity for a cheap price and quick shipment. Thanx Amazon. Looking forward to buying more great movies on here.

Excellent movie and good product, I had trouble finding it so I am extremely pleased