Libby Holman & Her Orchestra - Why Was I Born

Broadway actress and torch singer of the 20s-30s,Holman got her breaktrough appearing with Clifton Webb and Fred Allen on Broadway in The Little Show, in which she first sang Moanin' Low, which became her signature song. Bisexual, she had an extremely complex personal life too extravagant for the moral codes of the day and regularly leading to public scandal. In the 50’s, Holman worked with her accompanist, Gerold Cook, on researching and rearranging what they called earth music. It was primarily blues and spirituals that were linked to the African American community. On June 18, 1971, Holman was found nearly dead by her household staff, in her car. She was taken to hospital where she died hours later. Holman's death was officially ruled a suicide, but doubt still subsists. This excellent recording was made in 1929. For another exquisite Holman rendition check http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8mxpo_colonial-club-orchestra-i-m-doin-wh_music