Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (April 7, 1915 -July 17, 1959) age 44 yrs

Born Eleanora Fagan, Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. Known as “Lady Day,” she had a distinctive light timbre. Her phrasing was graceful, even when singing popular jazz tunes dealing with heartbreak, despair, and loneliness. The song can be heavy and sorrowful, or light and lively. Yet, Holiday’s presentation always carried a somber, wounded sadness. Her performances also had powerful emotional intensity.