The song "Angel of Harlem" by the music group U2 was written about which singer?

The music group U2 in 1988 wrote and performed the song "Angel of Harlem" as a homage to the singer, Billie Holiday. Now, no song is more near and dear to the hearts of people who live in or know about the city of New York than "Angel of Harlem."

It is important because critics and music lovers consider it to be a love song to Billie Holiday, New York City, and the rich, musical tapestry that entwined them together. Those who have lived in the New York City area know the magic of the city, and it is difficult for many of them to describe in words how much this place means to them.

New York City has a magical way of casting its spell on you (this is what happened to Billie Holiday). This is what this song talks about and why it is a love song to Billie and NYC! Specifically the lyrical content of the song refers to various NYC area landmarks. Included are JFK airport, WBLS radio, and Harlem's intimate jazz clubs. Also, it refers to the jazz related history of John Coltrane and "A Love Supreme", the Birdland Jazz Club, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday ("Lady Day").

Because of this song, we can image Billie Holiday as she walked the NYC streets or sing songs in NYC jazz clubs. We may think about and hear her voice in our heads when we are on the side streets and alleyways of New York City. We can see her in our mind's eye as she sings in her icon way with other angels.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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25 Comments

klmilles

I question how much of a magical spell NYC placed on Ms. Holiday. She was placed into a state reform school, raped by a neighbor, worked running errands for a brothel, and dropped out of school by age 11. When she rejoined her mother, now in Harlem, at age 13, they both became prostitutes before both being arrested and sent to prison. She was raped again and worked as a street prostitute for 3 more years, with another arrest for solicitation at 17. At 14, she began singing, and nightclubs in NYC are where she came to fame and made her living. By age 32, she was already an alcoholic and a heroin abuser, serving 10 months in federal prison for possession (1947). She struggled with abuse for the remainder of her short life, as well as being exploited by "loved" ones and losing her precious voice to her vices. She died almost penniless at age 44. What a total waste of such a talented woman.

Carol Ann Wright

Anne Roberts, Billie Elliot was a man, Billie Holiday was a woman!

Anne Roberts

I am so ignorant I thought Billie Elliot was a man not a woman poor Billie what a wasted life but at peace in heaven from a young age .God Bless

Linda Spreng

Can't help but think that her early trials and tribulations contributed to the mournful and heart-rendering sound that comes through in her vocals. Also cannot imagine her early life didn't have a huge impact on her life. Very sad that she was dead by age 44. Had we known better, we could have done better for her.

Dr. Bhoomz

Kimilles. At this juncture in our history, we can reflect and understand what sexual abuse at such a young age and other trauma in her life contributed to her explosive persona. Needless to say racism during her life was worse it is today. God bless her and may she rest in peace. I remember sitting in a back room with Sarah Vaughn, telling me she could not sit in the dinning room with the other patrons after her performance.(Because it was not allowed).

carlthedad

I got this because I remembered reading the biography of Billy call Angel of Harlem.

Lisa G

Saw U2 perform the song in person...awesome.

Suzanne Beer

Oh no got it wrong

Howard Groopman

I doubt if a lot of this explanation is true. And JFK Airport had a different name back in those days (Idlewild). This article, such as it is, is more of a tribute to NY than anything else.