Billie Holiday
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Twentieth Century
- Categories: Music, Popular Culture
- Subcategories: African Americans, Blacks, Entertainment, Entertainers, Musicians, Singers
- Curriculum: American History 1901-1950, American History 1951-present, Women’s History, African American History
Article abstract: One of the most influential jazz singers ever recorded, Billie Holiday created the standards by which jazz singers continue to be judged. Her life reflected the racism of a white entertainment industry and the sexism within a male- dominated jazz world.
Early Life
Although she is known as a hometown celebrity in Baltimore, Billie Holiday was actually born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 7, 1915. Much about her early life is unknown. Much of what is said about her comes from her autobiography, which is known to be inaccurate in...
[The entire page is 2534 words long]
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