We have not confirmed a streaming, rental, or purchase option for this title in this country yet. Availability is rechecked regularly and this page updates as soon as one appears.
Watch similar movies on Amazon Prime Video for free30 Days FreeThen $8.99 / monthStream FreePromotedOpens in a new tab.Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission. Prices may change. Check the provider for current pricing. Details.
Availability last checked Oct 1, 2026.
Report a wrong listingWhat it's about
Born Elinore Harris, Billie Holiday had a difficult teen and young adulthood period, which included working in brothels, both as a cleaning woman and a prostitute, and being raped. Through this difficulty, she dreamed of becoming a jazz singer. She got her initial singing break when she applied at a Harlem club that was looking for a dancer, but where she got hired as a singer. There, she met and fell in love with the suave Louis McKay. After this initial break, Billie wanted her singing career to move to the mainstream clubs in downtown Manhattan. She took a risk when she agreed to be the lead singer for the Reg Hanley Band, a primarily white group, who convinced her that she would have to make her mark in regional tours before her Manhattan dream could happen. As Billie tried to advance her career, pressures of life, including being a black woman, led to her not so secret substance abuse (especially of heroin), not so secret because of her increasingly erratic behavior, both on stage and off. As those around her, including Louis, worked to support Billie emotionally to get off drugs, Billie faced other issues, such as open narcotic use being a criminal offense, which in combination with the effects of the heroin use itself could be Billie's downfall despite her singing talent.
Cast and crew
- Director
- Sidney J. Furie
- Writer
- Chris Clark, Suzanne De Passe, William Dufty
- Starring
- Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor
Details
- Release date
- Oct 12, 1972
- Language
- English
- Country
- United States
- Box office
- $6,028,486
- Awards
- Nominated for 5 Oscars. 5 wins & 8 nominations total
Where to Watch Lady Sings the Blues (1972) in the US — common questions
- Where to watch Lady Sings the Blues in the United States?
- We have not confirmed a streaming, rental, or purchase option for Lady Sings the Blues in the United States.
- Can I stream Lady Sings the Blues or do I have to rent it in the United States?
- We have not confirmed a subscription, rental, or purchase option for Lady Sings the Blues in the United States.
- Can I watch Lady Sings the Blues for free in the United States?
- We have not confirmed a free option for Lady Sings the Blues in the United States.
More like Lady Sings the Blues
Other films in the same genres.
