The album 'Lady Sings the Blues' was released in 1956 by Clef Records, produced by Norman Granz. The recordings took place in several sessions between 1954 and 1956, with arrangements by musicians such as Ray Ellis and accompaniment from figures like Charlie Shavers and Oscar Peterson.
The album's title matches that of Holiday's autobiography published the same year, although the record is not a soundtrack. It includes versions of jazz and blues standards, as well as the title track composed by Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr.
The album was a moderate success and helped consolidate Holiday's public image as 'Lady Day'. In 1957, it reached number 15 on the Billboard album chart. It has been reissued in multiple formats, including a remastered version by Verve Records.