The movie was adapted by Chris Clark, Suzanne De Passe and Terence McCloy from the book by William Dufty and Billie Holiday. It was directed by Sidney J. Furie.
It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Diana Ross), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Music, Scoring Original Song Score and/or Adaptation and Best Writing, Story and Screenplay Based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Published or Produced.
Diana Ross had a successful soundtrack album of Holliday songs which accompanied the movie. See Lady Sings the Blues (album).