Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, was an eminent American jazz and swing music singer, nicknamed 'Lady Day'. Her innovative vocal style, which was strongly influenced by jazz instrumentalists, created a new means of phrasing and tempo. Despite a difficult early life, she started her singing career in Harlem's nightclubs, leading to a breakthrough recording contract with Brunswick in 1935. Her significant contributions to jazz and pop singing included hits like 'What a Little Moonlight Can Do'. Holiday had mainstream success through the 1930s and 1940s but faced legal issues and drug abuse later on. She continued to perform successfully into the 1950s until her health declined. Her last album, 'Lady in Satin', was released in 1958. Billie Holiday died on July 17, 1959, at age 44.