Rebecca Ferguson is a British artist I was not familiar with until her name was plastered all over the news partly because she is one artist who is willing to perform at the Trump inauguration under one condition.
Ferguson will agree to sing IF she is allowed to sing “Strange Fruit,” made famous by Billie Holiday, a song protesting racism in 1930s America. “Strange Fruit” sold a million copies, becoming Holiday’s biggest-selling record at the time.
In a statement posted to the singer’s Twitter account on Monday night, Ferguson said: “I’ve been asked and this is my answer. If you allow me to sing “strange fruit” 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”
It wasn’t until the headlines that Rebecca Ferguson became of interest. I wanted to learn more about this incredible person and singer. Rebecca Ferguson’s political understanding is riveting, especially since she’s not from the United States. For those of you who are not familiar, Rebecca Ferguson was the runner-up of the UK’s X Factor in 2010.
Unfamiliar with her music, I Googled her name, and the first track I listened to was “I Hope,” a track I played over and over. It’s such a great ballad. It’s a song about letting go of that past love and moving forward but as we all know we can’t move forward until we wish them well (forgiveness).
For hours I was in such a trance and hypnotic beat of hope that I had to listen to more tracks. I found so many that I could not stop. I don’t believe in the saying, “any press is good press,” but in Ferguson’s cases, I think the news has been good for her. She is now a household name in the USA, and in opinion for all the right reasons!
