Imagine, as the wind blows over Trump’s frail coif, Ferguson singing lyrics about lynching in America: “Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze / Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.” “Strange Fruit” is not just one of the most chilling protest songs ever made, but a reminder of what Trump’s presidency means in the context of generations of ugliness.
Confirmed performers for the January 20 ceremony so far include the Radio City Rockettes reluctantly, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Jackie Evancho (?) from America’s Got Talent.
Whether Ferguson is serious or not about performing, her “Strange Fruit” suggestion is perhaps a tactful way to decline her services and pay homage to the guttural versions of this song by Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.