Because Of Billie Molly Johnson

• 1 Body And Soul 04:42
• 2 What A Little Moonlight Can Do 03:26
• 3 Fine And Mellow 05:08
• 4 Them There Eyes 03:47
• 5 You've Changed 04:31
• 6 God Bless The Child 05:34
• 7 How Deep Is The Ocean? 04:28
• 8 Strange Fruit 03:18
• 9 Lady Sings The Blues 04:02
• 10 Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me 04:20
• 11 You Go To My Head 04:03
• 12 They Can't Take That Away From Me 03:43
• 13 Now Or Never 03:33
• 14 Don't Explain 05:17
• Total Runtime 59:52

Info for Because Of Billie

Renowned Canadian multi-genre chanteuse Molly Johnson sixth studio album, Because Of Billie is out now! “For years, people have said to me, ‘You are so much like Billie Holliday,’” says Johnson by way of explanation for this ambitious and also deeply personal project, presenting 14 songs of Lady Day’s cherished standards. “My response has been ‘No, I am because of Billie.” During the recording, Molly looked to infuse this project with her idol’s spirit, preparing the songs emotionally and technically so many could be recorded in one take. “Billie and her generation were the civil rights movement, they moved forward. That generation sacrificed and died for my privilege.

Recorded in Toronto with producers John Bailey and Mike Downes, Johnson wanted to infuse Because Of Billie with her idol’s spirit, preparing the songs emotionally and technically so many could be recorded in one take.

Billie Holiday’s journey inspires Johnson not only as an artist, but as a model citizen. “Billie and her generation were the civil rights movement,” Johnson notes. “Her generation sacrificed for my privilege and I am honour-bound to them. I love history. I love to look back while pushing forward.”

Molly Johnson, vocals
Mike Downes, bass
Colleen Allen, horns, accordion
Robi Botos, piano

Molly Johnson
has earned her reputation as one of Canada's greatest voices... She has rocked standing-room only audiences in nightclubs and bars from coast-to-coast as a pop artist, and seduced the patrons of salons and lounges with her luscious interpretations of jazz and blues standards.

She has regaled royalty during a private command performance aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia before the Prince and late Princess of Wales, as well as having performed for Nelson Mandela and Quincy Jones. She made history at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival, becoming the first Canadian female vocalist in the festival's 17-year-history to sell out a show on the mainstage.

Beginning her education at the National Ballet School of Canada, Molly got her start in the entertainment business as a child actor in the Ed Mirvish Production of Porgy And Bess. In the 80s she went on to become lead vocalist of two rock bands Infidels and Alta Moda. During the 90s she founded the Kumbaya Foundation and Festival; raising awareness and funds for people living with HIV/AIDS, and she continues to work with countless other charitable organizations every year. In 2008 she was honoured with becoming an Officer of The Order Of Canada.

In the fall of 2008, after creating a critically acclaimed body of original music, Molly released her fourth full length album; a long awaited record of standards entitled LUCKY via Universal Music Canada & Universal Music France. LUCKY won the 2009 JUNO for Best Vocal Jazz Album. Molly also received the 2009 National Jazz Award for Best Female Vocalist.

This album contains no booklet.