BLUE is an excellent collection of Billie Holiday songs. It was recorded in 1972 and its history is very sad. These songs were recorded during the making of LADY SINGS THE BLUES and Berry Gordy thought these particular tracks were performed too jazzy and wanted the music in the film and on the soundtrack to have more a pop feel so it would be appealing to a broader audience. Sadly, Mr. Gordy didn't have as much faith in Diana as the rest of us. Her performance in LADY SINGS THE BLUES was amazing and garnered her an Oscar nomination. At the same time critics dissed Diana saying that she did not do Billie justice musically. Wouldn't they have been shocked to know these tracks existed and a different side of Diana existed.

Berry Gordy's influence is a strong illustration of how a single person can lead the course of a talents career. Supposedly this set was ready for release if she won the Oscar. She did not and Berry released a pop album next. It is still surprising that it took 34 years to surface. Diana was always defined as a pop diva and sometimes her stage presence took precadence over her actual music. Here we see that Diana can sing!

This is a set of Billie Holiday standards and Diana's performance far surpasses many other standard albums thart are out there today. She appears as no novice and the music seems to smoothly emerge from her soul with intensity and purity. She owns these songs and we are presented with Diana Ross the jazz artist. There is no filler here. Standouts are WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES, LET'S DO IT, LITTLE GIRL BLUE, MY MAN, EASY LIVING AND T'AINT NOBODY'S BIZNESS IF I DO.

The sound quality here is amazing and this cd is not only recommended for Diana Ross fans but also for any fans of quality jazz music.

i'm a long-term dina ross fan & just the discovery of un-released material "tweeks" my ear-drums. however i must say that if you don't care for her enormous talent@ all then you wouldn't like blue which is a nice testament to her adaptations of jazz standards from the sizzling seventies!!!!!

This collection of previously unreleased songs (although recorded over 30 years ago) are refreshingly new and hauntingly beautiful. One can hear the tireless efforts of a young Diana Ross interpreting songs of Lady Day. Songs newly restored and heard for the first time since the "Lady Sings The Blues" project of 1972. These songs are warm, exciting, and deliciously haunting. DIANA ROSS is a powerhouse of talent and "BLUE" Is Beautiful!

The Blue CD is beautiful, calming, and relaxing music. As always Diana Ross gives us her best. I have most of her other music. This adds to my collection.

What Album has been on the jazz charts for half a year and was recorded 30 years ago. The answer is Diana Ross's 'Blue'. Listen to it and you'll know why!!