The United States vs Billie Holiday

The United States vs. Billie Holiday, in which Andra makes her feature-acting debut staring as Billie Holiday, sheds light on the innovative vocalist’s embattled years as a target of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics – the unit sought to imprison Holiday on drug charges, a retaliatory action given her dedication to singing highly politicized songs like “Strange Fruit” and her efforts to integrate her audiences. In the film, directed by Lee Daniels and written by Suzan-Lori Parks, Andra stars alongside Moonlight lead, Trevante Rhodes.

Andra’s iteration of the jazz-infused recording adheres to the cool, sultry stylings of Holiday’s original. By stepping into her predecessor’s persona, Andra brings the past to the present, adopting a vocal approach and musical sensibility that’s nothing short of a classic.