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Billie Holiday

Acting

Born April 7, 1915 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Died July 17, 1959

Biography

Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan, was an American jazz singer with a career spanning nearly thirty years. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and music partner Lester Young, Holiday had a seminal influence on jazz music and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. She was known for her vocal delivery and improvisational skills. Billie Holiday appeared in four feature films and many television shows.

Awards & recognition

  • National Women's Hall of Fame · 2011
  • Grammy Hall of Fame · 2009
  • Maryland Women's Hall of Fame · 2008
  • Grammy Hall of Fame · 2004
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame · 2000
Show all 14 awards →
  • Grammy Hall of Fame · 1999
  • Grammy Hall of Fame · 1988
  • Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award · 1987
  • Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award · 1986
  • Grammy Hall of Fame · 1977
  • Grammy Hall of Fame · 1975
  • star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Grammy AwardBest Pop Collaboration with Vocals · 1999 · nominated
  • Grammy AwardBest Female Pop Vocal Performance · 1961 · nominated

Filmography9 titles