Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday's real name and origin

Eleanora Fagan, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 7, 1915.

Jobs held by Billie Holiday before singing career

Ran errands for a whorehouse madam and worked in her mother's restaurant after dropping out of school.

Major influences on Billie Holiday's music during youth

Abandonment by parents, loneliness, listening to Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith, abuse and assault, and life in Baltimore slums.

Inspiring figures from Billie Holiday's youth

Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith.

Artform Billie Holiday mastered

Vocal jazz / jazz singing.

Forms of discrimination faced by Billie Holiday

Racial discrimination; not allowed to sit at tables in clubs, forced to sit near restrooms, and faced racism while touring.

Billie Holiday's age and first single

18 years old; first single was 'Your Mother’s Son-In-Law.'

Most famous single of Billie Holiday

'Strange Fruit' is commonly believed to be her most famous single.

Famous nicknames of Billie Holiday

'Lady' and 'Lady Day.'

Name of Billie Holiday's dog

Mister.

Major turning point in Billie Holiday's career

Authorities denied her a license to perform in establishments selling alcohol in 1950.

Substances that led to Billie Holiday's health complications

Heroin and alcohol.

Billie Holiday's sexuality and its impact

She was open about her bisexuality despite social stigma and lack of acceptance.

Songs analyzed in front of the class

'Strange Fruit' and 'God Bless the Child'; significant for addressing racial injustice and inequality using symbolism, imagery, and contrast.