When was Billie Holiday born and died? Born on April 7, 1915, in Baltimore, Maryland, and died on July 17, 1959, in New York City, Billie Holiday was an American jazz singer whose vocal style has had a profound impact on music history. Her unique ability to convey emotion through her voice, coupled with her powerful lyrics, has cemented her status as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.
Billie Holiday’s early life was marked by hardship and instability. She was born Eleanora Fagan to a mother who was a sex worker and a father who was absent from her life. At a young age, Holiday was forced to navigate the complexities of the world, often finding herself in difficult situations. Despite these challenges, she found solace in music and began performing at local clubs in her hometown.
Her career took off in the 1930s when she signed with Columbia Records. Her first recording, “Your Mother’s Son-In-Law,” was released in 1933, and she quickly gained popularity for her expressive voice and soulful delivery. Over the years, Holiday released numerous hit songs, including “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Lady Sings the Blues,” which would later inspire the film and soundtrack of the same name.
Holiday’s personal life was just as tumultuous as her professional career. She struggled with drug addiction, alcoholism, and mental health issues throughout her life. Her struggles were well-documented in her music, and her songs often reflected her inner turmoil. Despite her personal demons, Holiday continued to perform and record, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent.
When was Billie Holiday born and died? The answer to this question is not just a timeline of her life, but a testament to her resilience and artistic genius. On July 17, 1959, at the age of 44, Holiday succumbed to liver disease, which was exacerbated by her substance abuse. Her death was a tragedy, but her legacy as a jazz icon endures to this day.
Billie Holiday’s impact on the music world is undeniable. Her ability to convey emotion through her voice, her innovative use of blues and jazz styles, and her raw, unfiltered honesty have inspired countless musicians and singers. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and her music continues to be celebrated and studied by music enthusiasts and scholars alike. When was Billie Holiday born and died? The answer is a poignant reminder of the brief, yet extraordinary life of a musical genius who left an indelible mark on the world.
