Legendary jazz vocalist and actress known for her expressive, emotive singing style and iconic songs like "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit".
Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan, was an American jazz singer known for her unique, expressive voice and emotive delivery, earning her the nickname "Lady Day." With a career spanning over two decades, Holiday made a significant contribution to jazz music, inspiring a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo.
Holiday's life was marked by turmoil and struggle, from a difficult childhood to her early death at 44. Born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Holiday grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where she sang in local bars and clubs as a teenager.
In 1935, Holiday moved to New York City, where she was discovered by producer John Hammond, who signed her to Brunswick Records. Her first recordings, including "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," showcased her unique vocal style and earned her a contract with Columbia Records.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Holiday's career flourished, with hits like "God Bless the Child" and "Good Morning Heartache." Her collaborations with jazz greats like Lester Young, Teddy Wilson, and Count Basie solidified her position as a leading lady of jazz.
Holiday's success extended beyond jazz circles, with mainstream hits on labels like Decca and Columbia. Her sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall in 1946 and 1956 cemented her status as a celebrated performer.
Holiday's personal life was marred by struggles with drug addiction, racism, and abusive relationships. In 1947, she was arrested for narcotics possession and served a year in prison. Following her release, Holiday continued to perform and record, but her voice and health began to decline.
Her final albums, including Lady in Satin (1958), received mixed reviews, but Holiday's legacy as a jazz icon remained unchallenged. She passed away on July 17, 1959, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians.
Billie Holiday's impact on jazz and popular music is immeasurable. Her unique vocal style, improvisational skills, and emotive delivery have inspired countless musicians, from Ella Fitzgerald to Amy Winehouse.
Her life story has been immortalized in numerous films, books, and stage productions, including the 2021 biopic The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
Today, Holiday's music and legacy continue to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring her place as one of the most beloved and enduring figures in jazz history.
Born in 1901
A legendary jazz musician who revolutionized the genre with his unique trumpet playing and raspy vocals, leaving an indelible mark on American music.
Born in 1917
A virtuosic jazz vocalist known for her pure, expressive tone, impeccable phrasing, and incredible scat singing abilities. She won 13 Grammy Awards and recorded over 200 albums.
Born in 1904
A legendary jazz pianist and bandleader who led a iconic orchestra, blending swing and blues to create a unique sound that influenced generations of musicians. Known for his distinctive "less-is-more" style and hits like "April in Paris" and "One O'Clock Jump".
Born in 1910
A virtuosic clarinetist and innovative bandleader, he revolutionized the swing era with his unique sound and iconic hits like "Begin the Beguine" and "Stardust".
Born in 1909
A pioneering jazz musician who introduced a smoother, more relaxed style of saxophone playing, influencing generations of musicians to come.
Born in 1912
A renowned jazz pianist and educator, known for his elegant and sophisticated style, which greatly influenced the development of swing music.
Born in 1909
A virtuosic clarinetist and bandleader, known as the "King of Swing," who revolutionized jazz music with his energetic and sophisticated style, leading a racially integrated orchestra in the 1930s.
Born in 1899
A legendary jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who revolutionized the genre with his unique style and iconic compositions, such as "Take the A Train" and "Mood Indigo".
