Berry Gordy originally considered Four Tops' lead singer Levi Stubbs for the role of Louis McKay, but the group was touring Europe at the time. Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, and Lola Falana were early contenders for the role of Billie Holiday before Diana Ross demanded to Motown head Berry Gordy that she land the role. Dorothy Dandridge was to star in the role of Billie Holiday in an earlier proposed film version of the singer's autobiography, but died before the film was made. Avera ...[Read Story ]