Abel Meeropol was an American songwriter and poet. His best-known work is Strange Fruit, an anti-lynching poem. It was recorded by Billie Holiday and performed by other artists like Nina Simone. He’s also known for writing songs for artists like Frank Sinatara and Josh White. He wrote most of his work under a pen name, Lewis Allen, in honor of his two stillborn children. He died in October of 1986.
‘Strange Fruit’ penned by Abel Meeropol and sung by Billie Holiday, an anthem for the American Civil Rights Movement, details racial violence.
Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze
Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees
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