Billie Holiday: The Extraordinary Life of an American Icon

Billie Holiday was born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mother, Sadie Fagan, was a teenager who worked as a prostitute. Her father, Clarence Holiday, was a musician who left the family when Billie was young. Billie's early life was marked by poverty and abuse. She was raped at the age of 10 and forced into prostitution at the age of 12. Despite these hardships, Billie found solace in music. She began singing in clubs at the age of 14 and quickly developed a reputation for her unique voice and phrasing.

Billie Holiday: Singer (Black Americans of Achievement (Hardcover))

by Forrest Cole

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1947 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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In 1933, Billie Holiday was discovered by John Hammond, a record producer who helped her to sign a contract with Brunswick Records. She released her first album, "Billie Holiday Sings," in 1935. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Billie Holiday as one of the most popular jazz singers of the era. Over the next few years, Billie Holiday released a string of hit albums, including "Lady in Satin" (1958),"Songs for Distingué Lovers" (1958),and "Billie Holiday at Carnegie Hall" (1954). These albums showcased Billie Holiday's incredible vocal range and her ability to interpret a song with great emotion and depth.

Billie Holiday's personal life was often tumultuous. She struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol, and she was frequently arrested and jailed. She also had a stormy relationship with her husband, Louis McKay. Despite these challenges, Billie Holiday never stopped singing. She continued to perform until her death in 1959 at the age of 44. Billie Holiday's music has had a profound impact on American culture. She is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time, and her songs have been covered by countless artists. Billie Holiday's story is an inspiration to us all. She overcame incredible adversity to achieve great success, and her music continues to touch the lives of millions of people around the world.

Billie Holiday's legacy lives on through her music and her impact on American culture. She was a pioneer for jazz singers, and her music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by people all over the world. Billie Holiday was a true American icon, and her story is an inspiration to us all.

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Billie Holiday: The Extraordinary Life of an American Icon is a must-read for any fan of jazz music or American history. This book tells the story of Billie Holiday's life and career, from her humble beginnings to her tragic death. It is a fascinating and inspiring story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

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Billie Holiday: Singer (Black Americans of Achievement (Hardcover))

by Forrest Cole

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1947 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE