Known as the lady that could sing the blues, Billie Holiday was considered one of the best jazz vocalists of all time, Holiday had a thriving career as a jazz singer for many years before she lost her battle with substance abuse in 1959. Her autobiography was made into the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues. In 2000, Billie Holiday was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Billie Holiday born Eleanora Fagan was born on April 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Nicknamed “Lady Day”, Holiday spent most of her childhood in Baltimore, MD. Growing up in poverty and during racisim, Holiday endured a lot of trials and tribulations before settling in New York. She earned a living as a teen by working low end jobs before performing in Harlem nightclubs before she was discovered.
While becoming a star, Holiday faced racism. Some laws created separate facilities. As a result, Holiday sometimes found herself singing in clubs that refused service to blacks.Striking out on her own, Holiday performed at New York’s Café Society. She developed some of her trademark stage persona there, wearing gardenias in her hair and singing with her head tilted back.
Holiday risked her career to record “Strange Fruit”, which led to her continued advocacy against racial violence and for social equality throughout her lifetime. With a flourishing career, Ms. Holiday wrote “God Bless the Child,” another masterpiece that sealed her destiny in the music industry throughout the 1940’s and into the 1950’s. Ms. Holiday’s talent helped her prosper during Jim Crowism.She even arranged and composed her own songs such as “I Love My Man” and “God Bless the Child.”
On July 17, 1959, died an untimely death at the age of 44 from alcohol and drug-related complications. Her emotive voice, innovative techniques and touching songs will forever be remembered and enjoyed.
Baltimore, Maryland eternally celebrates her life as part of its Billie Holiday’s Pennsylvania Avenue connection is commemorated by a rather grotesque larger-than-life statue between Lafayette and Lanvale Streets.
