Billie Holiday, one of most important vocalists of all times, was born on April 7 in 1915 in Philadelphia, she died on this day in 1959.
Also known as Lady Day, with her unique singing style, she earned herself a place among leading blues and swing performers between two world wars. She was a singer, songwriter and actress.
Even though she didn’t write a big number of songs, some of them like “God Bless the Child”, “Don’t Explain”, “Fine and Mellow” and “Lady Sings the Blues” are true jazz classics.
Her autobiography “Lady sings the Blues” published in 1956 tells the detailed story of her turbulent life and career.
She recorded her last album in 1959 with Ray Ellis and his orchestra, with whom she also recorded her album “Lady in Stain”. Unfortunately, she passed at age 44. She died July 17 1959 of cirrhosis in New York where she was buried.
Take a look at her 1957 TV performance at CBS.