Billie Holiday

7 April 1915 – 17 July 1959

Billie Holiday was an American jazz and swing singer known for her distinctive phrasing and emotional depth. One of the most influential vocalists in jazz history, she was famed for songs such as "Strange Fruit" and struggled with addiction and legal troubles throughout her life.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Billie Holiday.

Life events

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
7 April 1915

Eleanora Fagan, later known as Billie Holiday, was born in Philadelphia.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
First recordings with Benny Goodman
27 November 1933

Holiday made her first commercial recordings with Benny Goodman's band in New York.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Collaboration with Teddy Wilson and Lester Young
1935

Holiday recorded classic small-group sides with pianist Teddy Wilson and saxophonist Lester Young, who nicknamed her "Lady Day."

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Toured with the Count Basie and Artie Shaw bands
1937 – 1938

Holiday sang with Count Basie's orchestra and then Artie Shaw's, among the first Black singers to front a white band.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Recorded Strange Fruit
20 April 1939

Holiday recorded "Strange Fruit," a stark protest against lynching that became one of her signature songs.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall
27 March 1948

After a prison term, Holiday performed a triumphant sold-out comeback concert at Carnegie Hall.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published Lady Sings the Blues
1956

Holiday's autobiography Lady Sings the Blues was published, later adapted into a film.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in New York City
17 July 1959

Holiday died in New York of cirrhosis and heart failure at the age of forty-four.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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