
Donald Trumpâs team has sent requests out to every breathing musician, and their moms and dads, to try to lock in performers for this monthâs inauguration ceremony. Former U.K. X-Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson says sheâll do it, maybe, if she gets to sing âStrange Fruit.â
Imagine, as the wind blows over Trumpâs frail coif, Ferguson singing lyrics about lynching in America: âBlack bodies swinging in the southern breeze / Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.â âStrange Fruitâ is not just one of the most chilling protest songs ever made, but a reminder of what Trumpâs presidency means in the context of generations of ugliness.
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Ferguson posted this statement via Twitter On Monday:
Iâve been asked and this is my answer. If you allow me to sing âstrange fruitâ a song that has huge historical importance, a song that was blacklisted in the United States for being too controversial. A song that speaks to all the disregarded and down trodden black people in the United States. A song that is a reminder of how love is the only thing that will conquer all the hatred in this world, then I will graciously accept your invitation and see you in Washington. Best Rebecca X
Confirmed performers for the January 20 ceremony so far include the Radio City Rockettes reluctantly, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Jackie Evancho (?) from Americaâs Got Talent.
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Whether Ferguson is serious or not about performing, her âStrange Fruitâ suggestion is perhaps a tactful way to decline her services and pay homage to the guttural versions of this song by Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.