Summertime - Billie Holiday - MP3 instrumental karaoke

Released in 1936, Billie Holiday’s version of "Summertime" is an iconic interpretation of the George Gershwin-penned classic from the opera Porgy and Bess. The song, with its lyrics by DuBose Heyward, was already a hit when Billie Holiday decided to lend her voice to it, but her rendition took it to new heights. Billie Holiday’s performance is marked by her unique ability to convey emotion with a subtle, yet powerful, delivery. The song’s lullaby-like quality, paired with the singer’s evocative vocals, creates a hauntingly beautiful contrast that has made this version particularly enduring. The orchestration in Billie Holiday’s rendition is understated, allowing her voice to take center stage and imbue the song with a deep sense of melancholy and longing. The lyrics of "Summertime" speak of a peaceful, idyllic world, but under Billie Holiday’s interpretation, there’s a hint of sorrow that suggests a more complex reality. This recording became one of her signature pieces, demonstrating her talent for reinterpreting and infusing new life into well-known standards.