Billie Holiday

  1. Where was Billie Holiday originally from, and what was her real name? — Born April 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; real name Eleanora Fagan.

  2. What were some of the jobs that Holiday held from an early age until she began her career as a singer? — Ran errands for a whorehouse madam, worked after dropping out of school with her mother at her restaurant.

  3. What were some major moments from Holiday’s youth that were influential on her later life and music? — Abandonment by parents, loneliness, listening to Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith, abuse and assault, and difficult life in Baltimore slums shaped her music.

  4. Who were inspiring figures from Holiday’s youth, whom she would later collaborate with? — Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith.

  5. What artform did Holiday eventually be considered the master of? — Vocal jazz / jazz singing.

  6. What forms of discrimination did Holiday face throughout her early career? — Racial discrimination; clubs would not allow her to sit at tables and forced her to sit near restroom areas; racism during touring and threats while performing with integrated bands.

  7. How old was Holiday when she recorded her first single, and what was that single called? — 18 years old; “Your Mother’s Son-In-Law.”

  8. What is the name of the song that is most commonly believed to be Holiday’s most famous single? — “Strange Fruit.”

  9. What were some of Holiday’s famous nicknames? — “Lady” and “Lady Day.”

  10. What was the name of Holiday’s dog? — Mister.

  11. What major moment marked the downturn of Holiday’s career? — Authorities denied her a license to perform in establishments selling alcohol in 1950.

  12. What two substances ultimately led to health complications which would prematurely end Holiday’s life? — Heroin and alcohol.

  13. What role did Holiday’s sexuality have in her life and career, if at all? — She was open about her bisexuality despite social stigma and lack of acceptance at the time.

  14. What were the names of the two songs that were analyzed in front of the class? Why are these two songs significant? — “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child”; they address racial injustice/lynching and inequality between rich and poor, using symbolism, imagery, and contrast.