According to legend Billie Holiday was furios that Josh White did the song. She also did nothing to discourage her hinting at her involvement in its composition.

A few years back I had the pleasure of interviewing David Margolick about the book for my TRADITIONS program---fascinating person and interviewee. He has a later book about the Louis/Schmelling fight and its impact on the era.

As to why Meerapol used a pen name of Lewis one can make certain assumptions. Perhaps, since he was a teacher in the NYC system, he did not want to mix the two careers. Many writers use pen names as actors use stage names that are easier to remember. Don't forget Meerapol wrote other things---not the least of which is THE HOUSE I LIVE IN. He co-wrote that with Earl Robinson.

Bill Hahn