Billie Holiday (1915-1959)

Billie Holiday (image from http://www.allaboutjazz.com/) 

Born - April 7, 1915 - Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Died - July 17, 1959 - New York City

Childhood - Born Ellinore Harris. She had a hard childhood; her dad was barely in the picture, and it was her mother and her in Maryland struggling. She went through a lot including being sexually assaulted, but always turned to music.

• Moved to New York in the 1920s, and by the 30's was singing in clubs and renamed herself Billie Holiday

Death - Died from drug and alcohol related addictions causing heart and liver problems. Addicted to heroin and arrested for possession of it even in the hospital. 

Inspiration - Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong

Often sang along to their songs growing up

Billie Holiday gave emotional power through songs. Her songs were truthful, and had meaning.

Phil Schaap has said about Holiday, she "speaks to your heart. She catches your ear. She reaches your mind, and she does this with an emotional power that, of course, is genius and is beyond words."

Rise to Fame

Joined the Count Basie Orchestra and met Lester Young, who renamed her Lady Day in 1937, and she called him Prez. 

Led her to different orchestras, such as Artie Shaw.

She was the first African American female to work with a white orchestra. Left because of frustrations with people's reactions to her.

Very relatable songs to public, as many were about her stormy relationship. Part of what made her so powerful. T'ain't Nobody's Business if I Do, (seen right) and My Man are examples.

Popular and Controversial

Strange Fruit - the song that placed attention on Holiday. It was a 1939 protest song about lynchings of African Americans. Her voice was powerful and able to convey the emotion of the song.

More information: Biographical Video - Billie Holiday

Legacy

Considered one of the best jazz vocalists of all time, Holiday has been an influence on many other performers who have followed in her footsteps.

Lady Sings the Blues was based off of her autobiography.

2000- Billie Holiday inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame